Joseph G. Koch 1937-2024

Joseph was born May 22, 1937, in Youngstown, a son of the late Joseph G. and Yvonne Gerthung Koch, and was a lifelong area resident.

He graduated from Hubbard High School in 1955 and joined the U.S. Navy. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from Youngstown State University.

Joseph started his teaching career at Jackson-Milton Middle School. He then became principal at Springfield Local Elementary School and retired in 1997 from Ashtabula City Schools.

He was a member of Mineral Ridge Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and deacon. He enjoyed traveling, reading and watching the Cleveland Indians / Guardians and The Ohio State Buckeyes.

He leaves his wife, the former Diane Cline, whom he married June 17, 1978; a daughter, Patricia (Robert) Hartsough of Austintown; a son, William (Anita) Koch of Austintown; two stepsons, David (Joyce) Gibbons of Durango, Colorado and Steven (Mendi) Gibbons of Reno, Nevada; and five grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by a daughter, Paula Koch; and a brother, James Koch.

A memorial service will be at noon Sunday, April 7, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge, 3654 N. Main St., Mineral Ridge, OH 44440, where friends may call for one half-hour prior to the service.

The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to the church, or to Animal Charity, 4140 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512.

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