John Richard Zoch Jr.

On August 27th, 2026 John Richard Zoch, Jr. set sail on his Final Patrol for places unknown in the search of eternal peace and to stand before his Lord and Savior, Sailor Rest Your Oars, you are there.

John was born May 10, 1931, in Detroit Michigan to the late John R. Zoch, Sr. and Sonya Rosin Zoch Hallibaugh. He lived his early years in Waterford Township at Elizabeth Lake. John enlisted in the US Navy when he was 17 years old. He was a career defender of the country that he loved. John served his country at the end of World War II and received the Navy Occupation Medal, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He traveled to places that were unknown to him as a youth. John served with Honor and Love of Country for 20+ years, serving on several of the Navy's most advanced submarines (1949-1951 The Argonaut Diesel,1951-1956 USS Salem 139 cruiser,1956-1961 The Sail Fish SSR 572 Diesel,1961-1962 The USS Sculpin SSN 590 Nuclear,1962-1965 The USS Woodrow Wilson SSBN 624). Following his honorable military service, John began working at E.I. DuPont in Seaford Delaware and transferred to Lugoff S.C. in 1969, as a technical engineer dedicating 20 faithful years to the company. After retirement, John was never one to sit back he always had something to fix or work to do in the country. John and Helen traveled extensively across the U.S & Europe visiting family and seeing the world.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Vincent Zoch for almost 60 years and truly loved and adored her. John also leaves behind his son, Thomas John Zoch, (Birgit) of Florida, and By a previous marriage, John is survived by a son, John J. Zoch (Carol) of Delaware, daughters, Kathleen Parks, (Mike) of Georgia, Janine Zoch Walker (Raymond) of Maryland, Sonya Russell (Ronnie) of Delaware, Tanya Sturgeon of Delaware, Suzanne Wheatley (John) of Delaware. He is also survived by a brother, David Zoch (Kim) of North Carolina, and sisters, Karen Kidwell (Roger), of Michigan, Laurie Fetterman (Grady) of Pennsylvania. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren to treasure his memory.

He was predeceased by grandsons, Joshua Thomas Zoch and Ryan Russell, a brother, Charles S. Zoch and sisters, Pauline "Paula" Knoeble and Barbara Joanne Bell.

The family would like to thank Heartsong Hospice, NHC Parklane Nursing Staff, CNA’s, Dr. Erik Hartvigsen, Abundant Life Church and so Many wonderful friends and neighbors for all the visits and moral support over the many years. A special thank you to his Angels - Kaley, Tami, Sarah, Debra & Amanda.

Final arrangements are a Celebration of Life service scheduled for September 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM Abundant Life Church, 2301 Clemson Rd., Columbia, S.C. 29229.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wreaths Across America, at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org or to Abundant Church Church of the Nazarene, 2301 Clemson Road, Columbia, S.C. 29229 or at www.abundantlifenaz.com/give