Obituary of Howard James Koch

Howard J. Koch, a proud US Navy Veteran, devoted family man and lifelong electrician, passed away after a life filled with service, love and dedication.

Born in the Bronx, June 4, 1935 to Harry and Ruth Koch. He lived in the Bronx with his parents and two sisters Ruth Graff and Joan Gimino until he married the love of his life, Muriel Koch (nee Monroe), in October of 1958 in Brooklyn, NY and resided there until they moved to Oakland, NJ in 1965. Together they built a beautiful life and raised five children: Maureen (Oakland), Kevin (Stillwater, MN), John (West Milford/Oakland), Mary (Steven-deceased)(Oakland), and Brian (Kerri) (Pompton Lakes).

Howard was a cherished grandfather to ten grandchildren: Joseph, Steven (Colleen), Brian, Anthony, LJ (Cassidy), Matthew (deceased), Allison (Steven), Julia, Jake and Archie.

He was also a proud great-grandfather to seven: Kole, Monroe, Ray, Hope, Landon, Grace and Henry.

Howard served honorably in the United States Navy during the Korean War (1952-1956) and was a plank owner on the USS Mississinewa (AO-144). After his service, he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 3, serving six years as an apprentice beforee becoming a journeyman in 1963. He retired in 1997 after a 34-year career as the night shift electrical foreman for the New York Times.

A committed veteran advocate, Howard served as Post Commander of the Oakland, VFW Post 3336 (now defunct) and was a member of both the Franklin Lakes VFW Post 5709 and the Oakland American Legion Post 369.

From the Bronx, to Brooklyn then Oakland; Howard's other residency was Long Beach Island. While on an anniversary weekend with Muriel, he purchased a second home (The Beach House) in Ship Bottom that still holds his legacy of his love for the Island.

He will be remembered for his strength, deep patriotism, dedication to his craft and his unwavering love for his family.

Rest in Peace Dad/Howie