John Donald Koch

February 6, 2022 at Sharp Hospital in Chula Vista. He spent his last days with his family,

surrounded by love, and is now gracefully reunited with the love of his life, Paula. He was 91

years old.

John was born November 22, 1930 in Buffalo, New York to his parents John and Mildred Koch.

He joined older sister Milred (Millie). Eventually, John would become “Uncle Donny” to Millie and

her husband, Joe’s, five daughters. John’s life first began with the sudden and tragic loss of his

mother, Mildred, during his birth. This heart breaking event, however, did lead to a very special

person being brought into John’s life, his neighbor and au pair, Marion Brickell (known

endearingly as Aunt May). He spent much of his youth at Aunt May’s side, cheering at minor

league baseball games or listening to her play the organ at church. His love of the Lord and

sports blossomed from this unexpected kinship.

At the young age of 17, John made the life changing decision to join the U.S. Navy and began

his 23-year adventure as a sailor. He proudly served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as

well as the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. John loved being in the Navy and

traveling the world over. He especially had fond memories of living along the seashore in

France. He earned many accolades as a personnel supervisor including rising to the rank of

Chief and earning numerous medals including five Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense

Service Medals, two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

While stationed at Treasure Island in Northern California and working part-time at Sears, he met

his wife of 53 years, Paula. They married at Trinity Lutheran Church in July of 1965. Shortly

after the birth of their son, Bobby, John was transferred to San Diego where he would retire from

the Navy and live the rest of his years. Following their son Bobby, came daughter Cathy a few

years later and then eventually their youngest, April. After living in San Diego for many years,

the family became complete when John was reunited with his oldest son, Mark, after a long,

unavoidable separation.

John is survived by his four children, Mark, Bobby, Cathy, and April, two daughter-in-laws, Kathy

and Karen, son-in-law Daniel, grandchildren Alexis, Adam, Charmagne, Conor, Johnny, and

Jace, four great grandchildren and five nieces. Previously departed loved ones include his

devoted wife, Paula, his loving sister Millie, and his self-proclaimed best friend and son-in-law,

David.

John will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Miramar National Cemetery on March 25, 2022 at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to Disabled

American Veterans (DAV.org), an organization and charity near and dear to John’s heart.