Obituary of Raymond J. Koch

Warrensburg: Raymond J. Koch, 83, of Echo Lake Road, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at the Glens Falls Hospital following a long illness. Born on October 7, 1925 in New York City, he was the son of the late August and Mary (McGovern) Koch. Following his graduation from St. Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served his country as a submariner at various locations in the South Pacific. Following his honorable discharge, he met the love of his life, Margaret Mary Cook, and the couple wed on September 28, 1947. They remained in New York City where he attended City College of New York while he worked for the NYPD as a police officer until his retirement in 1971, when the family moved to Warrensburg. Raymond was a man of many talents. He loved to sing and entertain at local community theaters in the area. When he wasn’t at the theater, he often expressed himself through poetry, jokes, and story telling. He was an avid sports fan and a long time season ticket holder for the New York Giants. Even after moving upstate, he still didn’t miss a game. Raymond was a communicant of St. Cecilia’s RC Church, and a member of the Saratoga Chapter U.S. Submarine Veterans. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Margaret Mary Koch of Warrensburg; his children: Raymond A. Koch and his wife, Virginia of Mahopae; Carol A. Miele and her husband, Joseph of Lake George; Nancy A. Christiansen and her husband, Brian of Saratoga; Thomas J. Koch and his wife, Kelly of Gulf Breeze, FL; nine grandchildren: Laurie and Michael, Julianna, Emily, Joseph, Margaret, Katie, Sarah, Claire, and Thomas; one great grandchild on the way, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call on Raymond’s family from 6 to 9 pm, Friday, July 10, at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Saturday, at St. Cecilia’s RC Church, 3802 Main St., Warrensburg, with Fr. Paul Cox, officiating. Burial with full military honors will take place at 10:00 am, Monday, July 13, at the Gerald B. H. Solomon, Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, donations in Raymond’s memory may be made to St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences, and directions.