John Francis Kochmer

John Francis Kochmer, 44, of Clarks Summit, died at home on Friday, May 26, 2023. He was the son of Victor and Sheila Kochmer who currently reside in South Abington Township after enjoying decades at their home in Factoryville. Before John's battles with mental health and alcoholism eventually overtook him, he embraced life to its absolute fullest.

John enjoyed fishing, hunting, skiing and riding motorcycles. However, his favorite space was in the sand, water and wind with his family and friends in Bethany Beach, Delaware. John held a lifelong passion for cooking and baking both professionally and personally. One of John's favorite images was that of friends and family gathered around eating the food he had prepared. He especially loved creating new dishes with his beloved daughter, Ava. John graduated from Scranton Prep in 1997 and from the Culinary Institute of America in 2000. John worked for many years as a chef. Later, he transitioned to a successful career in the recruiting industry. Despite his greatest efforts, John couldn't bounce back from the changes the pandemic forced upon society in March 2020.

John is also survived by his proudest accomplishment: his daughter, Ava Kochmer, step-son Mason Miller of Clarks Summit; ex-wife Jennifer Kochmer; brother, Gabriel Kochmer and his wife, Marcia Bockol, East Quogue, NY; sister, Jenna London, Rotterdam, NY, nieces and nephews.

A blessing service will be held on Wednesday at 6 pm in the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.  Friends may pay their respects from 4 pm until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in John's name to the organization Prevent Suicide Pennsylvania, PO Box 33, Wernersville, PA 19565.