sep - For Website Design

sep - For Website Design

Our Staff

Koch Funeral Home staff members  commitment to the community is a testament to their unwavering dedication to serving others
and helping families through the grieving process.  They are caring and experienced professionals who understand that each family
​is unique and has personal requests and traditions. These requests and traditions are of utmost importance to our staff of licensed funeral directors and certified spiritual director, celebrant and end-of-life doula. 

sep - For Website Design


F. Glenn Fleming - Funeral Director, Supervisor
Phone:  (814) 237-2712
Email: admin@kochfuneralhome.com

Glenn is a native of Forest Hills, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Edgewood High School. He attended Virginia Military Institute, the University of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He holds an associate degree and a Mortuary Science Degree. He has been a licensed funeral director in the state of Pennsylvania for more than 50 years. 

Glenn was elected as the 132nd President of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association (PFDA) from June 12, 2013 until June 12, 2014.

The PFDA is the oldest and largest state funeral directors association in the United States. He served two terms as the District 4 Governor and held the offices of secretary/treasurer and president-elect on the PFDA Board of Governors. He serves on numerous PFDA committees, including the Strategic Planning Committee, Grievance Committee, Cremation Committee, Policy Committee, and the Forms Committee. Glenn currently serves on the board of directors of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS). 

Glenn is a member of the Central Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Selected Independent Funeral Homes, International Order of the Golden Rule and Cremation Association of North America. 

Glenn has always been respected and admired for being active in the community. He is currently a member of the State College Kiwanis Club where he has held various board positions and was the Holiday Basketball Tournament Chairman for 17 years. He received the George F. Hixon Award which is Kiwanis International Foundation's highest honors. This award is given to individuals who demonstrate strong support and service to their community. Glenn has always believed in giving back to his community and lives that philosophy daily. In 1913 the Koch philosophy was neighbor helping neighbor and Glenn has continued to carry on that dream. 

Early in his career Glenn was a charter member of the Hollidaysburg Jaycees holding many positions on their board and was president. He served 5 years on the Finance Committee and became president of the Hollidaysburg YMCA. Shortly after relocating to the Centre County Region, Glenn served on the board of directors and as the president of Easter Seals where he was the honorary recipient of the Brace for an Ace Award. This award is given to individuals who go above and beyond outstanding volunteer service on behalf of the people in their communities with disabilities. He was a board member of the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra where he served as vice president and president. He received the Amadeus Award which honors many years of devotion to Centre County and Central Pennsylvania for inspiring leadership and selfless contributions of time and talent that positively impacted the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra organization. 

Glenn enjoys classical music, golf, sailing and gardening. 

Glenn and his late wife, Margery, came to State College in 1973. They have two children, Stephen C. Fleming, and his wife, Laura, who  live in State College and his daughter, Rebecca L. Ashby, and her husband, Andy, of Evergreen, Colorado. Glenn also has 4 grandchildren.

sep - For Website Design

John H. Jay Herrington - Funeral Director,  Funeral Service    Manager 
Phone:  (814) 237-2712     
Email: admin@kochfuneralhome.com

Jay is a 1971 graduate of Philipsburg Osceola Area High School and attended Penn State University. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science as valedictorian with high honors earning his Embalming Diploma and Associate in Specialized Business Degree in Funeral Service Management. 

Jay has more than 49 years of experience in funeral service and joined the staff at Koch Funeral Home in 2008. He completed courses in 2011 and has been certified as a Crematory Operator for Oakwood Crematory, located on the premises at the Koch Funeral Home. 

Jay attends many conventions, professional seminars and continuing education classes each year to keep pace with the ever-changing funeral industry and enjoys sharing his funeral knowledge with local groups when called upon so to do.

Jay, a long-time resident of Philipsburg, now resides in State College with his wife Sherrill. Together they have three children and four grandchildren. Jay and Sherill enjoy spending time with their family and traveling. He is a 45-year member of the Moshannon Lodge #391 Free and Accepted Masons. He is a life member of Philipsburg Elks Lodge #1173 where he served as Exalted Ruler in 1981 and 2002. He served as a District State Vice-President in 2004 and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 2005. He is also a Life Member of the Reliance Fire Company    # 1 in Philipsburg. Jay is active in the Penn State booster clubs for both the men's and women's basketball teams and he is a member of the State College Quarterback Club. He is also a volunteer at the Coaches vs. Cancer annual golf tournament.

sep - For Website Design

Katie Monsell - Funeral Director 
Phone:  814.237.2712
Email: admin@kochfuneralhome.com

Katie is a State College native who graduated from State College Area High School and went on to attend Penn State University.  She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Religious Studies.

She began working at Koch Funeral Home upon graduation from Penn State and, shortly after, attended Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, earning an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology in Funeral Service Arts and Sciences.  Katie became a licensed Funeral Director in 2018 and has been grateful to serve her community as a professional in the funeral industry.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and being a mom to her two daughters, Mia and Payton.  She enjoys staying active through exercise, hiking, and gardening and caring for her two loving dogs, Rocco (lab mix) and Greg (beagle).

sep - For Website Design

Jenny Miller - Resident Intern
Phone: 814.237.2712
Email: admin@kochfuneralhome.com

Jenny was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She and her family spent eight years overseas, in both Portugal and Mozambique, before relocating to Clearfield in 2002.

Jenny graduated from Cairn University outside of Philadelphia with a dual degree in Discipleship Counseling and Bible. She moved to State College in 2018 and joined Koch Funeral Home in 2019 as a member of the administrative support staff.

Jenny is a member of Park Forest Baptist Church in State College. Music, writing, classic literature, and tennis are some of her favorite hobbies.

She is currently attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) to become a funeral director.

sep - For Website Design


Calvin Amato - Funeral Director-In-Training

Calvin Amato is a native of Bellwood, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Bellwood-Antis High School, Calvin's thirst for knowledge led him to Arizona State University, where he studied neuroscience and anthropology, expanding his understanding of the human experience.

In 2023, Calvin obtained a Crematory Operator Certification from the National Funeral Directors Association. Additionally, he received a Death Doula Certificate from the International Association of Professions Career College, furthering his vocation for guiding individuals through the complexities of grief and loss. 

Calvin is now currently attending Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, immersing himself in a transformative educational journey that will further elevate his expertise in the funeral industry. Not one to ever limit himself, Calvin is also actively pursuing a yoga instructor certification, planning to one day offer grief and trauma support through the transformative power of yoga.

Before embarking on a career in the funeral industry, Calvin traveled the United States and Canada, educating various food-based companies and universities about food allergies, gluten, and intolerances. Presently, he serves as a member of the Standards Board at MenuTrinfo, where he continues to champion safe and inclusive dining experiences for all.

Calvin's further commitment to progress and excellence is exemplified through his membership in various organizations. He is a member of the National Environmental Health Association, Theta Chi Fraternity, and the International Association of Professional Death Doulas. He was also a former Pennsylvania State Chairman and Regional Director of the United Rural Democrats, where he was responsible for fundraising and recruitment efforts across 15 states. Additionally, his previous tenure as President of Helping Hands exemplified his dedication to community service, making a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Calvin finds inspiration in the loving presence of his wife, Ginger (Gigi) Together, they embark on numerous adventures, engage in captivating conversations that transcend countless subjects. He also takes immense pride in supporting and celebrating his daughter, Raienn (Ray) during her cheerleading performances and dance recitals. When not busy at work, Calvin finds joy in watching rugby, reading literary classics, watching classic foreign films, foraging wild mushrooms, and spelunking.

Calvin joined the staff at Koch Funeral Home in 2023.

sep - For Website Design 


​Jackie Naginey Hook - Spiritual Director, Celebrant, End-of-Life Doula 
Phone:  814.237.2712
Email: admin@kochfuneralhome.com

Jackie is a native of State College, Pennsylvania. She has a B.S. in Business Management from Penn State University and an M.A. in Wellness from the University of Central Florida. She is a certified spiritual director, celebrant and end-of-life doula specializing in loss and wellness. She is also a member of Spiritual Directors International, the Celebrant Foundation and Institute and the International End-of-Life Doula Association.

In partnership with Koch Funeral Home, Jackie developed Helping Grieving Hearts Heal. This program helps and supports individuals as they grieve. Services include Having the Talk of a Lifetime, grief companioning, memorable funeral ceremony creation, remembrance service facilitation, legacy reception coordination, community outreach and end-of-life support.   

Jackie also offers individual and group spiritual direction, programs and retreats in wholeness, spirituality, grief, loss and forgiveness. In addition, she works with individuals, groups, organizations and businesses to provide supportive educational gatherings.

Jackie is the co-founder of Learning to Live: What's Your Story?, an initiative whose mission is to create educational and conversational opportunities for meaningful intergenerational exchanges on loss, grief, growth and transformation. She helped create  HEART – Helping Empty Arms Recover Together, an organization that provides support for individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss, still birth, infant death and/or fertility issues. Jackie is also a member of Grief Connection and writes articles for the Centre Daily Times, Centre County Gazette, Huntingdon Daily News and Centered magazine.

 Jackie enjoys spending time with her family, jogging, and hiking in the woods. She and her husband, John, have two children, Jessica and James.

sep - For Website Design

Marie Bartley - Office Manager 
Phone:  814.237.2712
Email: admin@kochfuneralhome.com

Marie was born and raised in central Pennsylvania; she resides in State College where she is raising an active family. Her children are both active in sports, Olivia participates in Nittany Track and Field and Landon plays baseball and is looking forward to playing football.

Marie is a 2001 graduate of Penns Valley High School. After graduation and until 2007, she pursued hospitality management. She then became a founder of “Your Perfect Fit” a boutique in Boalsburg and remains an active business partner. She joined Koch Funeral Home in October of 2012 as the office manager and works directly with the staff, funeral directors and community.

In the winter you can find her and the kids skiing at Tussey Mountain and in the summer you can find them splashing around at Welsh pool. The family enjoys going to the beach in the summer and spending long weekends on the Chesapeake Bay catching blue crabs.
​​sep - For Website Design


Laura Crowley - Administrative Support Staff
Phone:  814.237.2712
Email: admin@kochfuneralhome.com

I was born in Pottsville and raised in Schuylkill Haven, small towns in the Anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania.  My first job after graduating from Lebanon Valley College brought me to State College.  In fact, my father couldn’t move me fast enough when the decision was made to call Happy Valley home.  My early career in publishing sales had me visiting bookstores where I first met my future mother-in-law.  As the saying goes, “it takes three to make a marriage.”  She was the force behind Mark and I saying “I do.”

Mark and I have been married for 33 years and still reside in our first home in Boalsburg.  We have raised two incredible children, Tyler and Katelyn.

 Tyler is a PSU graduate who created, owns, and operates Total Mobile Cleaning in Centre County.  Katelyn is an IUP graduate who now calls Nashville home working as a Design Project Manager.

My career path has taken many different turns, but I have always been in positions where I interact with people.  From the textbook industry, both new and used books, to selling homes in 55+ communities, I have developed listening, understanding, and customer service skills that I continue to utilize in my current position as an administrative assistant at Koch Funeral Home.  I joined Koch Funeral Home in October 2022 and thankful that I am able to continue my desire to help others with compassion and guidance.

Being outdoors and especially on or near the water always reenergizes my spirit.  Mark and I enjoy boating at Raystown Lake, kayaking, camping, biking, and finding interesting breweries and destinations to visit.  Never one to be idle, I enjoy being creative in the kitchen and working on home projects.   You will see us out and about in Boalsburg walking our rescued fur baby, Bailey.

sep - For Website Design

Staff - Joe Grego

Joe Grego - Funeral Home Assistant 

Joe was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania. He was married to his late wife, Juliann, for 47 years. He has three children, Joe, Andy and Connie and four grandchildren. Joe worked for Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Blairsville/Pittsburgh for 37 years. After retirement in 1994, Joe and his wife moved to the State College area. Shortly thereafter, he joined Koch Funeral Home as a funeral home assistant. 

His hobbies include carving, hunting, fishing, golfing and wine making. He is a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.

sep - For Website Design

Merle Eyer - Funeral Home Assistant 

Merle is a lifelong resident of Pine Grove Mills where he currently resides with his fiancée Melanie Melius and their two spoiled King Charles Cavalier dogs/children, Saddie and Maggie.

He was a 1964 graduate of State College High School.

Merle retired in 1998 after working 34 years as a GM automotive bookkeeper for Dick Capers Buick and Grant Torsell Buick in State College. He joined Koch Funeral Home in January of 1999 as a maintenance manager, funeral assistant and crematory operator.

 

Merle is a member of the Gatesburg Lutheran Church. He is also a 7th degree member of the Bailyville Grange #1991, serving as chaplain, the Centre County Pamona Grange #13, the Nittany Antique Machinery Association and the Centre County Ag Forum.

Merle is the past president of the Pine Grove Mills Cemetery Association, having served 30 years. Currently, he is serving as overseer along with Melanie as the caretaker of the cemetery.

Merle enjoys camping, gardening, going to public auctions, collecting antiques, antique farm tools and Amish handmade quilts. 

sep - For Website Design

Dave DeCapria - Funeral Home Assistant 

Dave was born in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, and raised in Corning, New York.  After graduating from Corning-East High in 1976, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force.  Dave married Patricia Fleisher of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, in 1977.  After leaving the Air Force, Dave and Patricia moved to the State College area in 1981.  They have three daughters, Sara, Allison and Katherine, all State College High School graduates living in the State College area.

Dave began working at Penn State University in 1988 and has been a member of the University’s Hazardous Materials Response Team since 1997.  

As a trained hazardous materials emergency responder, he joined the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team Region 3 (DMORT 3) after 9/11/2001.  DMORTs are part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Disaster Medical System.  This works includes providing victim identification and mortuary services in man-made and natural disasters.  Dave is also a safety officer and respiratory  protection fit tester and was deployed for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (1995), the State of the Union Address (SOTUA 2012 and 2013), the Peace Officers Memorial (POM 2014) and the U.S. papal visit (2015). 

Dave joined Koch Funeral Home as a funeral home assistant in the fall of 2015.  His hobbies are camping and woodworking.

sep - For Website Design

Michael Lebo - Funeral Home Assistant

Mike was born in Myerstown, Pennsylvania. He relocated to State College in 2004 and has been married to Brenda Dinger Lebo for 54 years. They are the parents of two, their son, Michael T. Lebo, and his wife, Patty, who reside in Holland, Pennsylvania, and their daughter, Pastor Paula J. Schmitt, who lives in Altoona, Pennsylvania.  They have four grandchildren.

Mike worked in the concrete industry for about 30 years and managed concrete paver and concrete block plants in Lebanon County and Hagerstown, Maryland. He retired from Beavertown Block Company in December of 2012. 

Prior to moving to State College, Mike worked part-time as an assistant for Robert Sellers Funeral Home.   For the past ten years, Mike and Brenda have owned and operated Larkspur House Bed & Breakfast in State College. He enjoys woodworking, golf, and fishing and attends Calvary Church at Harvest Fields.

Mike joined Koch Funeral Home as a part-time funeral home assistant in 2016.

sep - For Website Design

Shawn Rogacs - Funeral Home Assistant

Shawn was born and raised in State College, Pennsylvania.  He comes from a very close family that also remains in the area. 

For the past few years, Shawn has been a driver for CATABUS, which is a division of  Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA). He appreciates the fact that this job allows him to be outdoors.  

Shawn is a member of the Penn State Catholic Campus Ministry.   In addition, he has been a member of the State College Knights of Columbus for 25 years. 

Shawn enjoys volunteering for the Knights’ many events, assisting with their dinners and bingo and helping them maintain the landscaping for their facility.  

He enjoys all outdoor activities including walking, biking, and traveling.

Shawn joined the Koch team in early 2016.  He is very honored to work as a funeral home assistant in his community. 

sep - For Website Design