Cary John Kochanski, 63, of Dade City, Florida passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, on Saturday, October 22, 2022, with his wife, Joan,and daughter, Emily, by his side. Cary was a devoted husband for 33 years and a doting father for 30 years. Cary was born in Waukegan, Illinois and moved with his family to Florida in 1962. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Bernice, and Father, Thaddeus "Ted" Kochanski. He is survived by his loving wife and daughter, as well as his immediate family: brother Mark Kochanski, sister Kathleen Turner (nephew Gary Wofford) and brother Matt Kochanski (wife Margan, nephew Nicholas, and nieces Christina Clemens and husband, Mike, and Alexandra Bradford and husband, Shawn, and daughter, Seraya). He is also survived and deeply missed by plentiful extended family on Joans side. Family was the most important thing to Cary. Cary graduated from Clearwater Central Catholic High School (1977) and Loyola University, New Orleans (1981), where he garnered his life-long love for the Big Easy. He also attended Florida State University for his Masters degree, but had to return home when his Mother became ill. In 1995, Cary, Joan and little Emily moved from St. Petersburg to Dade City to be nearer to Joans parents. That little town became home for the rest of his days. After several years in the private sector (banking, where he met Joan), Cary transitioned to a government job, lured by decent pay and benefitsthat would serve his family well. He began a 31-year career with the Internal Revenue Service as an Office Auditor, Revenue Agent and On-the-Job Instructor. He helped many, many taxpayers throughout his career, but the biggest impact that he had was on his co-workers, whom he mentored and for whom he genuinely cared. As you can imagine, working for the IRS is not easy, but he made it better. Cary was also an active Union (NTEU) member and held many leadership roles within the local Chapter (87), Chief Steward being among them. Cary truly enjoyed helping people throughout his life, and it is only with his passing that those who knew him now know how large a positive impact he had on this world. Cary was even generous in death, as he was a member of LifeLink of Florida, providing hope to others through organ and tissue donations. Carys Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 12th, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Hodges Family Funeral Home, 11411 US Highway 301 in Dade City. Those attending are encouraged to share stories of Cary with the family. Only happy memories allowed. An after party will be held at the Dade City Brew House,14323 7th Street, where all are invited to raise a glass in honor Cary and a life well lived. Flowers and kind words are most welcome, but Carys charities of choice were WMNF 88.5FM Community Radio Station Support WMNF (secureallegiance.com) and Metropolitan Ministries Metropolitan Ministries | Helping At-Risk And Homeless In Tampa Bay (metromin.org).Donations made in his honor are appreciated. Cary was one-of-a-kind. The best kind. Memorial Service Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade) Saturday, November 12, 2022 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525