Joseph W. Kotai, 72, of Pembroke, NC, formerly of Lorain, died Sunday, September 23, 2007, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, Lumberton, NC, of cancer. He was born August 28, 1935 in Lorain.

Mr. Kotai graduated from Lorain High School in 1953 and served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years. He retired with the rank of master sergeant and was in combat during the Vietnam War as a helicopter flight crew engineer.

He graduated from North Carolina University with a bachelor of science degree in education, taught in the Robeson County (NC) Public Schools until retirement and farmed in Pembroke. He loved animals.

Survivors include his brother, Steve Kotai of Elyria; sisters, Betty Pall and Ruth Kotai of Lorain; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve Kotai and Helen Lampert Kotai; sisters, Irene Hardick, Rosemary Kotai, and Ethel Kotai.

Burial with military honors was in Lumbee Memorial Gardens, Pembroke, NC.

In order to comment, you must agree to our user agreement and discussion guidelines.
You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you aren't already registered, click here.
If you are registered, click here to log in.
Need help? Email Us.