Obituary
Lawrence (Larry) Kenneth Koch Sr., 80, formally of Lighthouse Point, FL. Passed to his heavenly Father August 18, 2018 in Ocala. His wife, daughter and sister-in-law by his side.
Born October29, 1937 (at home) to Theodore Henry Koch and Irene Stehley Reidy, Allentown, PA.
As a lifelong Lutheran, he serviced as Church Council president at Zion Lutheran of Deerfield Beach and St. Stephen Lutheran Church of Pompano Beach. Most importantly to him was being Sunday School Superintendent of both churches for many years. As 1st president of “Zion Lions” Booster Club he built and manned the concession stand for all sports, selling hot dogs, candy, and soda, which eventually paid for the athlete’s traveling bus. Also at Zion, he lead funding and building committees for the new church, lower and middle high schools.
He graduated from William Allen H.S. A talented, popular guard and tackle, varsity co-captain for 1954-55 “Canary and Blue” and awarded “The A.H.S. Class of 1929 Award” as Outstanding Lineman.
His successful 45 years as a Florida licensed general contractor and Senior Residential/Commercial Superintendent brought him many awards and accolades from the industry. From condos at Boca Teeca (Martin Construction -Boca Raton) to multi -projects for Miller Construction, Ft. Lauderdale: IE: Holy Cross Hospital Cardiac Care Building, Pavilion and multi-floor parking garage, City Furniture tower addition, Davie Signature Grand Convention Center, Nikitown and Air France Training Center, Miami: many area banks, restaurants, warehouses, high end residences—always on time, under-budget and ” perfect.”
Larry loved kids and sports. He never missed an opportunity to put the two together as coach and mentor. His boys (and girls) never wanted to disappoint “Coach” in a game or in life. Nothing made him happier than being with his children and grandchildren. A perfect dad and “Pop Pop”, proud of them always.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Irene; his very loved and loving stepmother, Elsie (Solar) Koch; son, Lawrence Kenneth, Jr. (Passed March 2013 at 47 yrs.); siblings: Theodore Robert (Betty) Gainesville, FL; Anna Catherine and husband, Donald G. Miller, Ocala, FL; Eugene, Allentown, PA; William Charles (Burdine) York, PA; Jayne Louise and husband John Pychinka, Allentown, PA; his in-laws; Richard and Eleanor L. Knefel and sister in -law, Susan E. Knefel, Pompano Beach, FL.
Larry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pamela (Knefel), his adored daughter, Nicole Anne Koch-Colclough Ocala, FL; sons, Todd Michael (Lisa)and Terry Robert (Diane) – their mother, Jean McFadden, Allentown, PA; sister, Patricia Anne , Allentown, PA; and sister-in-law Lynda P. Knefel (HEY GAL!), Ocala, FL; His cherished grandchildren: Haley ‘Skye’, Jakob Boone and Zakary Larson Colclough; Rod Michael, Atlanta, GA and Alexis Jean Koch, Allentown, PA; her daughter Isabella Jade Heller (His 1ST great-grandchild, born August 18, 2018) to continue his legacy and the family’s “circle of life”; dozens of dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and of course – Sweet “Mello” his good boy from the OTOW S.P.C.A
His lop-sided grin, quirky sense of humor, love of all sports; especially bowling, anything U of Miami (Go Canes!) will always be with us. We love and miss you. You are our hero forever.
There will be a celebration of Life at Baldwin Brothers Heritage Chapel, 11250 SW 93rd Ct. Rd. Ste. 300, Ocala, FL34481, Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 10 am; Pastor Art Wuertz, Joy Lutheran Officiating. Family requests memorials to be given to charity of your choice or S.P.C.A of Marion County sent to Jackie Ludmer 8832-B S.W. 94th LN Ocala, FL 34481.
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