Andrew Kochis was born on September 5, 1949 in Poughkeepsie, New York, and was the son of Peter J. Kochis Sr. and Gertrude Ashton Kochis. He was a graduate of Arlington High School and Dutchess Community College where he studied architecture. He followed that by serving his country as an MP in California during the Viet Nam war.

He became a talented photographer and a dedicated sky diver. Skydiving became a lifelong passion as soon as he began in his teens. He enjoyed skydiving competitions over the years, and made thousands of jumps. He spent many good times at Skydive the Ranch over the years, enjoying the sport and the camaraderie of the friends he made there over many years, especially his friends Joe, Bill, Tracey, and Leland who were so kind, generous and thoughtful through the years. He was known for taking new skydivers under his wing, and gave freely of his knowledge and expertise. As an unofficial coach, mentor and friend, he impacted so many in the skydiving community.

Over the years he held a number of different jobs: tree climber, truck driver, commercial pilot, and finally retiring from the US Post Office where he worked for over 20 years. He had a dry sense of humor, and a gift for remarking on the absurdities of life.

He will be missed, and is survived by his brother, Peter and his wife, Lynn, and his nieces Lynn Wolver and Katie Ashton, his nephews Pete Kochis and David Kochis and their families, and many cousins.

There will be no public service. Memorial donations can be made to the Ulster County SPCA, 20 Wiedy Dr, Kingston, NY 12401.