Charles H. Koch, 84, of Hackettstown, N.J., died Tuesday, March, 26, 2013 at Morristown Memorial Hospital.
Born in Paterson, N.J. on June 19, 1928, he was the son of the late Charles F. & Celestine Garreau Koch. Charles has lived in the Hackettstown area since 1994 having moved from Wharton, N.J. and lived in Fair Lawn, N.J. throughout his childhood.
Retiring in 1993, Charles was employed by the Milford Board of Education, Milford, N.J. as a Mathematics Educator. He also had served as an Administrator for the Fair lawn, N.J.. Board of Education.
Charles served our country during WWII in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan at General MacArthur's Headquarters, from 1946 to 1947.
He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hackettstown, N.J. and was an avid collector of "N" Scale Model Trains and Railroading Schematics. Years ago, Charles had proudly served as a Soccer Coach for the New Milford Varsity team.
He is survived by 6 children, son's John C. Koch of Dallas Tx., Brian F. Koch of Chester, N.Y., Carl. P. Koch of Havelock, N.C. and Eric C. of Chester, N.Y.. daughter's Jacque Koch of Cambridge, Mass. and Ally C. Koch of Hackettstown, N.J. Also surviving, is former wife and mother of John, Carl and Brian, Mary Koch of Chester, N.Y. and the Mother of Eric, Jacque & Ally; Kim Parsons Koch of Hackettstown, N.J.. He had 5 loving Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren. He was predeceased by a Sister, Eugenia "Gene" Wagner.
Viewing hours will be on Friday, 3-29-13 from 4 to 8pm at the Cochran Funera Home, 905 High Street, Hackettsown, N.J., 07840. Funeral services with military honors will be held Saturday, 3-30-13, 11AM at the funeral home. Interment will take place in the Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery of New Jersey at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union. Online condolences may be given at www.cochranfuneral.com. A gathering of friends and family will take place immediately following the funeral service at the Trinity Methodist Church Rotunda Room, Main St. Hackettstown, N.J.. There is ample parking in the rear of the church.
Charles H. Koch
Died: Mar 27, 2013
Janice
#13
August 4th, 2014 6:49 am
Dear Kim: I'm so sorry to hear of your beloved Charlie's passing. It's been many years since we lost contact!! We were hospital mates in Shore Memorial Hospital when we had our babies way back when. We've since moved to WV . I'd love to catch up with you.
Hugs and prayers,
Janice
Margery Rothenberg
#12
December 29th, 2013 8:40 pm
Mr. Koch was my one of my New Milford High School math teachers back in the 70's. Perhaps it was 8th or 9th grade. He was a good teacher and I suppose I was a decent student. He did have a sense of humor, I recall, which was important to me because I liked to have fun along with learning. I have to say that what I remember most about what he taught me had nothing to do with math...he told me that "it's always good to be child-like and not child-ish." This is wisdom that I have kept close to my heart, obviously, all these years and hopefully until I die. May his family be comforted in knowing that he was a respected man and an effective, well-liked teacher.
RoseAnn Chavez
#11
April 5th, 2013 9:12 am
My deepest sympathy to the Koch family. Charlie was always considered part of the Mansfield Elementary family. His kindness and caring touched the lives of so many of us. He will be sorely missed. We will keep him in our hearts and all of you in our prayers.
Christine Rotundo
#10
March 30th, 2013 1:19 pm
My condolences to the entire Koch family.
Charlie enriched my life beyond words and I will truly miss my best friend.
RIP Charlie...until we meet again!
Christine Good
#9
March 29th, 2013 2:28 pm
Dear Kim and family, I met Charlie when I taught in FL for one year and he was the VP. It was a very painful time for me for several reasons. Charlir reached out and was very supportive, as you were. You invited me to your home for dinner and he helped me through that year. I often think about Charlie and what a wonderful, warm, encouraging, person he was. He influenced who I am today as I began to learn through him that as painful as life gets, I do have coping skills. I think of what he gave me often. I wish I had let him know before his passing, but maybe he knew in his heart. May peace be with you and your family. Chris
Viviana Litovsky
#8
March 29th, 2013 7:58 am
Dear Kim, Jacque, Eric and Ally,
My deepest sympathies to you all. Charlie's unique world view, his profound love for his family, and his deep concern for his fellow man will be forever etched in my mind. I am so sorry to learn of his passing and hope that in the days ahead your hearts will be less burdened. In time, I pray that you will be comforted by his inspiration, humor, and love. I regret that I will not be able to attend the service as I am away 3/28-4/5. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dr. Brian Gross
#7
March 28th, 2013 5:39 pm
Coach Koch was the most motivating, supportive, teacher and mentor a student could ever hope to have. I cherish the memories he generated both on and off the soccer field and in math class. When I think of high school, the first memory that comes to mind is playing soccer for Charlie. A marvelous man who left a legacy!
Forrest
#6
March 28th, 2013 12:53 pm
Although I did not know Mr. Koch personally I have heard nothing but warm and wondergful thoughts about him from his friends and neighbors.
As Adjutant of the American Veterans Association of Washington Township "Post 1776" I send our condolences to the family of Mr. Koch on his passing.
His fellow Veterans Thank him for his Honorable Service in World War II. Our members will observe a "moment of silence" for him at our next Post meeting and will offer a prayer from our Chaplain for Charles and his family.
Joseph Nesbihal
#5
March 28th, 2013 12:42 pm
I met Charlie about a year ago when he contacted me to help sell his home. Even though the home was sold privately, we still kept in touch. I would stop by to see him and listen to his stories. He was a very proud man, and loved his children. I wish I could have one more conversation with him. Charlie, I will miss you.
Robin Raetzman
#4
March 28th, 2013 10:39 am
John,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything! I will even meet you for a beer at that hideous dive-bar you love so much.
Take care of yourself Cookie! Don't forget to breathe.
Your friend, Robin Raetzman
Diane Hogan
#3
March 28th, 2013 8:50 am
My condolences go to the family of Charlie Koch especially my former students Eric and Jacque.
Charlie was always an entertaining substitute teacher at Mansfield. His worldly expertise and math knowledge made his presence in the classroom very interesting for the students.
His family was active in Mansfield and will always be part of our family.
Faye Collins
#2
March 28th, 2013 8:31 am
Dear Kim and family,
You have our deepest sympathies. I was blessed to know Charlie as a substitute teacher, father, and coach and he always appreciated his love of life, optimism, and love for his family. He will be missed by the community. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers,
Faye and Bert Collins
Jo Ann Zarrillo
#1
March 28th, 2013 8:07 am
Dear Mrs. Koch and Eric,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your wonderful husband and dad. Charlie was an amazing person and educator, and he inspired me in many ways. I will be sorry to miss the services, as I am leaving for Florida Friday morning. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann Zarrillo
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