Robert Anthony Kotch, 66, peacefully passed away Saturday, July 13th at Birchwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Nanticoke. Born January 9, 1958, Bob was a lifelong resident of Mocanaqua and a graduate of John S. Fine High School, Nanticoke. An avid sports fan, Bob could often be found assisting Northwest Area coaches in various youth sport programs. He was a referee for many sporting events in the Wyoming Valley and surrounding areas. He dedicated much of his life to the areas’ youth leagues and truly loved being involved in all aspects of the sporting world. He was an absolute die-hard fan of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons and enjoyed many outings in the company of his brother, Lou and his nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed bus trips to see his favorite professional teams play including his beloved Pennsylvania teams as well as the New York Yankees. He collected sports memorabilia and trading cards curating an impressive collection over the years. His knowledge of sports in general could rival that of many. It was his world and he was certainly dedicated to it. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Ida Plesnevich Kotch; brothers, Larry and Louis; sisters, Joanne Jendrasek and Leandra Lechleitner; nephew, Nicholas Knorowski and brother-in-law, Clem Knorowski. Surviving are sisters, Annette Knorowski, Mocanaqua and Suzanne Buck and husband, Donald, Millsboro, DE; brother-in-law, Ronald Lechleitner; numerous nieces and nephews. Bob's family wishes to extend their utmost gratitude to the entire staff at Birchwood for their unwavering dedication, care and compassion and to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart who went above and beyond for Bob. Services will be privately held from Dinelli Family Funeral Home, Nanticoke