Orest M. Kochan, 82, of South Whitehall Township, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Orest was born on May 21, 1942 in Northampton, PA to the late Michael Kochan and Anna (Dytyniak). Orest is survived by his loving wife, Stefanie (Singura), daughters, Andrea Kochan Neagle, Esq. and husband, Damon Neagle, Esq. of Orefield, PA, and Corissa Kochan of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Alexander Neagle; brother, Dr. Edward Kochan of Colorado; and many beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Services: Divine Liturgy will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8th at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1343 Newport Ave., Northampton. Family and friends may call Friday night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the Reichel Funeral Home, 326 E. 21st St., Northampton. Interment will follow with military honors in the parish cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the church in Orest's memory.

Orest was the patriarch of his family. Family came first in everything Orest did.  He married Stefanie nearly 54 years ago.  During this time, they had two beautiful daughters and enjoyed a life centered around their daughters, their grandchildren, and close family and friends.

Carrying on his family traditions, Orest was very proud of his Ukrainian-American culture and traditions.  He was a faithful Ukrainian Catholic and a lifelong active member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic parish in Northampton.  Orest's grandparents were among the founding parishioners of this parish, and his grandchildren are now 5th generation active members, serving at the altar and singing in the church choir.

Orest's dedication to family extended to many of his aunts and uncles.  He embraced the role of caring nephew to several aging family members in their senior years. He guided them through the many challenges they faced as they aged, always treating them with compassion, dignity and respect.

Orest attended Northampton Area High School, spent a brief period at Moravian Academy, and then attended New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology for engineering.  Orest honorably and proudly served his country for six years in the United States Army, spending two years of active duty with the 8th Maintenance Battalion stationed in Grossauheim, Germany.

Beginning his career at Fuller Company in Allentown, Orest worked in the early years of environmental reclamation and remediation. Later, Orest was employed by Allentown Pneumatic Gun Company where he served on teams that designed and constructed the underground subway tunnels of Washington DC, New York City and several foreign cities.  In 1976 Orest began a 33-year career with Air Products, traveling extensively across the country and around the world.  His work focused on technical sales and application development, initially for the metals industry, and later for the food industry.  He received numerous accolades and awards during his tenure at Air Products.

Once retired, Orest enjoyed making old things new again. He loved working with his hands in his tidy garage, workshop, and beautiful backyard. He continued his travels, for pleasure during these years, with close family and friends.   And while Orest saw many different places around this globe, his favorite vacations were spent with his family on the beaches of Hilton Head Island and the Jersey Shore.

Orest genuinely loved the beautiful things in life. He enjoyed sharp, classic tailoring, a good Manhattan cocktail, and foreign cigar.  He will be best remembered for being quick with a smile, a warm handshake or hug, and a story to share.

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