Michael Eugene Koblentz

Dr. Michael Eugene Koblentz, age 72, of Colts Neck, New Jersey passed early Saturday morning, June 10, at Jersey Shore Hospital. Beloved husband of Bette Lou "Belle" (Daley) Koblentz for 44 years. Cherished son of Harriet L. (Stickle) Steffes and the late Ronald L. Koblentz. Devoted father of Lili C. Koblentz. Dear Brother of Donald Koblentz (Ellen), and Mark Koblentz (Bunni) of California, and Mary K. Ward (John) of Texas; along with brothers-in-law Thomas M. Daley of Pennsylvania, and John M. Daley of Georgia, and sister-in-law Robin D. Elder (James) of Pennsylvania; nephew Craig J Myers of Delaware, niece Michele D. Allen (Brian) of Connecticut, and great-nephew and great-niece Drew and Shannon Allen.

Mike was born in Newark, Ohio, and moved as a child to Hawthorne, California, where he resided until college. He was awarded UC Alumni Scholar in his junior and senior years to attend UC Berkeley. One semester away from graduation, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force stationed at SAC Headquarters, he transferred to Texas Air National Guard in Dallas, Texas as the troops were downsized. He then enrolled and was graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a B.S. in Mathematics. Mike received his Ph.D. in Physics at UTD; his dissertation; "A Computer Vision System for Surface Mapping of Diffusely Reflecting Three- Dimensional Objects." Research in quantum electronics, laser optics and development of microprocessor-based data acquisition and control instrumentation. He was honored to serve one year as teaching and lab assistance to Nobel Laureate Polykarp Kusch.

After graduation he accepted a position at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New Jersey. During his career he held positions of increasing responsibility in the field of enterprise network technology, and computer and network security. Mike had a very interesting career in Technology, but his greatest love was getting to teach chess when he retired. He stated the Monmouth Chess School and Club more than 12 years ago, and moved to Zoom classes and tournaments during COVID years. His great pride was being called Dr. K by his students, and watching them excel in USCF tournaments and in life. He derived much joy from teaching chess and playing in tournaments with his students. Chess was his great love, and being able to share his knowledge was intrinsic to his nature. He believed chess can teach you much about how to think clearly, analyze, and strategize to make the best decisions

A Memorial service will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 11am at Faith Lutheran Church in Lavallette NJ

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DEliaFuneralHome.com for the Koblentz family.