John J. Kotmel

John J. Kotmel, 89, of Lansing, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 5, 2023, at Bridges Cornell Heights in Ithaca.  Born October 28, 1933, in Manhattan, NY, he was the son of the late John and Elsa (Snizek) Kotmel.  John was a 1951 graduate of Odessa Central School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Houghton College in 1955.  He later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Cornell University in 1966.

In 1955, John began a 40-year career at Lansing Central School District as a math teacher.  During his time there, he also coached football and wrestling and was inducted into the Lansing Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach with several teams.  He was a founding member of Grace Baptist Church in Lansing, which later became East Shore Christian Fellowship.

John was an extremely humble man, despite being an expert fly fisherman, having one of the best vegetable gardens in Lansing, and being an excellent teacher and great husband and dad.

John is survived by his son, John W. Kotmel of Lansing; and brother, Francis Kotmel of Montour Falls.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, JoAnne C. (Pattington) Kotmel, in 1990; daughter, Anne (Kotmel) Kelly, in 1990; and brother, Vincent Kotmel.

Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at East Shore Christian Fellowship, 2049 East Shore Drive, Lansing, NY 14882.  A funeral service will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the church.  Private interment will be in Ludlowville Pine Grove Cemetery in Lansing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to East Shore Christian Fellowship at the address above.