Deacon George Koch

Deacon George J. Koch passed away on October 1st, 2021, at the age of 86, in his adopted hometown of Surprise, Arizona. His battle with recent medical issues showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile or the occasional Bad Dad Joke. Despite the pain and setbacks, George continued to serve God, his Church, and his Family. As a young man, George enlisted in the United States Air Force as the Cold War was heating up. He served proudly in the early 1950’s and was honorably discharged. Afterwards he met Mary, the love of his life, while attending College in New York. They met in chemistry class and he would forever say, it was the chemistry that brought them together. It was love at first sight for them both and they were happily married over 58 years. Together they went on to adopt three children: Theresa, John, and Michael, who were raised with love in Valhalla, NY. After the untimely passing of their daughter Teri, George and Mary welcomed their grandson Christopher into their home and raised him as their own child. Christopher continued to reside with George in Surprise, AZ, and was instrumental in his care and wellbeing. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to George. In his early days he was an accomplished shade-tree mechanic and would occasionally fix old cars and then race them on frozen lakes in Upstate NY. He loved to drive, and volunteered as the community ambulance driver in NY, most likely because they let him drive fast. George was a devout Catholic his entire life, and he entered the Seminary in NYC after years of working as an accountant. He was ordained a Deacon in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC in 1982, surrounded by his friends and family. He Served as a Deacon in Valhalla, taking an active role in youth ministries and the Parrish Council. He and Mary moved to Sun City, AZ in 1993, and eventually found their way to Surprise. George is preceded in death by his brother Bill, his sisters Marie and Laura, and his daughter Teri. Deacon George is survived by his children John & wife Laura; Michael & wife Areina, nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.