MICHAEL KOTSON

He was born on December 21, 1942, in Glen Dale, WV a son of the late Stephen Kotson and Jennie Guzek Kotson.

Michael retired after many years as a social worker for West Virginia Health and Human Resources. He was an alumni of Saint Johns Central High School in Bellaire, OH. Michael went on to attend St Columban’s Seminary and after discernment pursued his master’s in social work at St. Louis University. This is where he met his “Honey bee”, the late Melissa Griesedieck Kotson who became his loving wife of 52 years. Michael took pride in his community, supporting Youth Services System of Wheeling, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, and the Belmont County Right to Life. He was Catholic by faith, serving in many roles over the years for Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s, and St. John parishes. Michael loved walking around his farm, tending to his animals, and especially gardening. He was fond of puzzles, red barns, the Browns, the Reds, the Buckeyes, and good food. Most of all, he loved his family. Michael cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. The pinnacle of his life’s work was seen first-hand through the love and laughs shared at many family holidays.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Thomas Kotson; triplet siblings, Mary, Catherine and Joseph Kotson; brothers-in-law Amos Karkowski, Ted Corder, and John Hupp; and nephew Michael Karkowski.

Michael is survived by his three children, Joseph “Jay” (Amy) Kotson, Laura (Jeff) Forrelli, and Evangeline (Jaime) Kotson; two grandchildren, Adam Kotson and Vanessa Forrelli; seven sisters, Linda Karkowski, Sue (Charlie) Barker, Paula (Hiram) Valentin, Theresa (Kenneth) Graves, Mary Ann Corder, Francine (Gary) Clark, and Anna Hupp; and two brothers, John (Peggy) Kotson and Theodore (Lisa) Kotson; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville, Ohio with a Knights of Columbus service at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bellaire, Ohio with Msgr. George Coyne as the Celebrant. Burial will follow in Glencoe Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Youth Services System, Belmont County Right to Life, or St. John’s Catholic Church.