Zachary John Kohler, 17, of State Rt. 288, Ellwood City died on Wednesday, August 19, 2015.
Born January 13, 1998 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Donald Kohler of Portersville and Becky Grandstaff Kohler of Ellwood City.
Zach was a Senior at Riverside High School and Vo-Tech where he was an honor student. He worked at Hall’s Lawn Service and at Duncan’s Auto in Fombell. Zach was a member of Mountville Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed riding his dirt bike and quad, hunting and fishing. He loved hanging out with his friends.
In addition to his parents, Don and Becky, survivors include his grandmother, Shirley “Bubbo” Kohler of Ross Twp., two sisters, Erica Morece and Dawn Kohler and a brother, Johnathon Goss, all of Ellwood City.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Morece in 1999.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday August 22 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday at 2 pm at the Mountville Presbyterian Church with his pastor, Rev. Don Hurry officiating.
Interment will follow in Mountville Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Suicide Prevention, 120 Wall St. 29th Floor, New York, NY 10005.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
I’m a Riverside mom passing along condolences on your loss. Nothing I can say will help. Just know that many of us in the community are sorry for your pain and loss. I hope you find support and some comfort in those around you. You are loved by family and friends. The community cares and mourns with you and the kids of Riverside. I’m so sorry. The moment of silence at Panther Night brought tears to my eyes. The balloons we launched in memory of Zach and in support of you is only a small showing of those who care. We wish we could do more to help. We behind you if you need something we can help with.
I am Makala States grandmother and I want to say how very sorry I am for the loss of your dear family member. May God bless and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
I am probably the one person who truly knows your pain. I too lost my son to suicide twelve years ago on August 19th when he was 18. Stephen was two days away from starting college at IUP and had worked for a car dealer and had many friends. He was a hunter and a golfer and very religious. He was very successful as your son was at such a tender age. I see you also lost another son. How incredibly hard.
I write you to let you know with God’s help and you and your husband caring not blaming each other, you can survive this.
He is with God. He took him to keep him safe somehow. I just want you to know that on the Aug. 19th when everyone on the world is enjoying summer, Walt and I will have that incredible hole in our heart and will be in mourning. Be gentle about the why. we still have no answer and I have searched them all. You and your family will always be in my prayers and especially Zachary. I am sure your church will help you but if my experience in some small way can comfort you please email me at bara812@yahoo.com. You had a special son who had it all and in his short life made a real difference in the world around him. I am truly sorry you have to make this journey as we do..
To Barbara, I just read your kind words to this family. I do not know either of you. I just wanted to say how sorry I am to learn that both you and Zach’s mom lost one of your children. I could not imagine what that feels like. I just wanted to tell you that I will pray for both your families and this difficult time. Barbara, your words touched my heart. God Bless You.
As friends our condolences can’t express our pain that you and family are going
through this very hard time… We love you guys so much and your pain is hurting us…
Please know we are here for you all.??
Joe@Toni Lance
Prayers to the family at this time.
Donnie – We are very sorry to learn of the loss of your son Zach. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I do not know your family, but I saw Zachary’s picture in the Butler Eagle in the obituaries. I was struck by what I saw, a young man that looked like someone anyone would want to know. He looked like such a sweet boy. I thought of my own son at that age and like you, would be crushed to know that he was lost in this way…or any way. I am glad that people are reaching out to you to care for you. I keep remembering Zachary’s face and his smile. I will never forget it.
Sincerely.
Nancy Neel, Butler, PA