Collector Bill Kocher (Sr.)

[Cody K]

I just want to post a brief note to let collectors who knew him from "the old days" that Bill Kocher, Sr. has died at the age of 98. His health had declined precipitously in the past few years. Many of you may know his son, Bill Jr., who is still very active in the hobby.

"Mr. Kocher" (having known him since I was about ten, I never managed to think of him by any other name, even after I became an adult) was my across-the-yard neighbor while I was growing up, and the source of my interest in antique phonographs. He began collecting clocks in the early 'sixties, and soon branched out into phonographs. Bill Jr. and I are the same age, and we were fascinated as kids by the machines and the music that Mr. Kocher would find and rescue. He often worked in cahoots with George Bryant, another early collector in Connecticut.

He was tireless in his pursuit of early machines, and, as with his clocks, a perfectionist when it came to their restoration. Bill Jr. recently showed me a remarkable picture of one of his Dad's old projects in progress -- a rather large mound of cylinder phonograph cases, all being restored concurrently! He knew his stuff, and shared his knowledge freely and helpfully, fostering others' interest in phonographic history -- as Bill Jr. continues to do today.

When I left the area, I took a break from phonographs for about, oh, forty-five years or so, but in all that time, I couldn't see an antique phonograph anywhere without thinking of him gratefully and fondly. Rest in peace, Mr. Kocher.

His obituary:

William W. Kocher, Sr., 98, alias "Popduesall" passed away on August 18, 2014. He was the husband of the late Marilyn (Wells) Kocher and a long time resident of Ellington. He spent three and a half years touring North Africa, Sicily, and Italy during WWII with the 384th Port Battalion of the U.S. Army. During his service he was awarded the rank of Sergeant, three stars on his ETO ribbon and the Indian Arrow Head award for the Anzio invasion. He retired from the Bond Press Printing company after 47 years. He leaves his sons, William and Brian of Rockville; daughter, Lynn Hawthorne; grandson, Patrick Hawthorne of Ohio, and sister, Dorothy Galett. All services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

[phonogfp]

Thanks for the post, Cody.

George P.

[gramophone78]

Yes, thank you.

[gemering]

Met Bill Kocher Sr. when he was in his late eighties.
He was a true gentleman, as is his son, Bill Jr.
Rest in peace and God Bless you!

Gene

[NEFaurora]

Wow, Did'nt know him, but 98 years old...He sure lived a long, good life.

I am 43 (44 next month), and my grandmother hit 100 years old yesterday.

They sure do have better drugs today in 2014 than 100 years ago when the average lifespan was only 47 years in 1914.

Hard to believe!

)

Tony K.

[Lucius1958]

I've never met Bill Sr., but I've dealt once or twice with Bill Jr.

Anyway, may he rest in peace.

[fran604g]

As I become more familiar with the collecting community, I have begun to see notices like this far too frequently. It seems like I've missed some very remarkable people and that is regrettable, but, it's nice to hear that his legacy will be continued by his son.

My condolences go out to Bill Sr.'s family and loved ones,

Fran