Gary Kocher

Rincon – Gary Kocher, 74, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026 at his home.

The New Castle, PA native was an appliance repairman. His passion was being a longtime firefighter, having served in St. Petersburg, FL and Effingham County, GA. Gary also loved boating, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Hazel Kocher; and his brother, Rodney “Ron” Kocher.

He is survived by his wife, Claudia, and her family; his children, Stephanie Bacon-Cox (Marcus), Tiffany Crocker (Jeremy), and Gary Clayton Kocher (Brianne); grandchildren, Austin Cortez, Nathan Cortez, Chance Crocker, Ashley Ray, Abigail Kocher, and Shane Kocher; sister, Ruth Bell; nieces, Veronica Morris, Amy Berry, Cheryl Vossen; nephew, Marion Newman; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Cliff and Barb Pugh.

Visitation will be held 6 -8 pm Friday, March 6, 2026 in the funeral home.

Remembrances can be made to Lealman Fire District, 4360 55th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33714 (please mark checks “c/o memory of Gary Kocher”) or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421