It is with deep sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Samuel William Kotsch IV, age 37, of Niantic, CT, on February 10, 2025. Samuel was born on September 25, 1987, in Rockville, CT to Samuel W. Kotsch, III and Andrea (LeVasseur) Kotsch. He was predeceased by his grandfather Ronald LeVasseur, grandmothers Mary Ellen Daigle and Carole Kotsch.

Samuel was raised in Colchester and attended Bacon Academy, graduating in 2005. While at Bacon, he was a member of the Bobcats football team. He later pursued higher education at Eastern Connecticut State University and the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Art was Samuel’s lifelong passion; over the years, his talented hands created multiple works ranging from drawings and paintings to digital media and sculpture. His talent extended beyond canvas and clay—cooking was therapeutic for him, and he loved to cook for family and friends, approaching it with the same passion and skill reflected in his artwork. Additionally, Samuel was a talented paintball player, competing in tournaments both locally and nationwide.

Samuel will be remembered for his quick wit, humor, and ability to coin catchphrases that his family and friends will repeat for years. He will live on in the hearts and memories of his mother and father, his son Ayden Tennison (Kotsch), his son’s mother Ciara Tennison, his brother Jonathan Kotsch and his wife Karen Kotsch and their children Johanna, Frederick, and Russel, his grandfather Samuel William Kotsch Jr. and his wife Terry, aunts Theresa, Kelly and Sheri (Gregg), uncle Ronnie (Cristy), as well as numerous other cousins, extended family and friends.

Calling hours will be held at Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd, Colchester, on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM, with a memorial service at 2 PM. To sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Samuel’s life may make donations to Ayden’s college fund by check payable to Fidelity Investments, mailed to Sandra Baranowski, CFP, 935 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel William Kotsch, please visit our floral store.