Hearts broke on Monday September 25, 2023 with the passing of Dave “Coach” Koch, 74, of Hamden. Dave was born in New Haven on December 17th, 1948, and was the son of the late August and Fannie Torello Koch. He was the beloved husband of 52 years to Valerie Martine Koch. Loving father of David Ryan Koch and his wife Rebecca, Jody Koch, Erika Koch, Jeff Koch and his wife Nancy. Proud and devoted grandfather of Zachary, Maren and Lily Grace Koch, Maris and Myles Beaudry. Dave graduated for Lyman Hall in 1967 and dedicated a significant part of his career to the United States Postal Service (USPS), where he made a valuable contribution to his community. His hard work and dedication were greatly appreciated by his colleagues and the people he served. Working with the post office Dave began his enthusiasm for giving back by canvassing for the United Way. In his later years after his first diagnosis of cancer he transformed his focus on working with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and dedicating his life to do great work for all those impacted by the disease. He was very involved with a branch of the ACS- the Cancer Action Network lobbying for cancer related funding and awareness in Washington. Dave was recently honored by his team in Washington this year at the National “Lights of Hope” memorial for the exceptional work he has done with them over the last 20 years. In his free time, David enjoyed various hobbies including teaching spinning and tai chi at area gyms and immersing himself in nature. He had a passion for beekeeping and spending time at the beach with his family. These activities brought him peace and fulfillment. He found solace in the beauty of the world around him. He would encourage his children to seek out nature during challenging times for clarity. Dave’s faith was an important aspect of his life. His spirituality provided him with strength and guidance throughout his journey. He was a member and past Grand Knight of the Hamden Knights of Columbus council #3605. Dave was an inspirational figure in the lives of many. Known for his nonjudgmental and accepting nature, he coached others through life’s challenges, always encouraging and supporting them. He was a generous and loving individual who left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him. He made friends everywhere he went. The “Coach” will be deeply missed by all who know him. His legacy of love, acceptance, and encouragement will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path. He lived his life with a motto- “There are only good days and great days”.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to Camp Rising Sun. This charitable organization holds a special place in Dave’s heart, and any support given will help provide transformative experiences for children who have been diagnosed and impacted by cancer. Memorial contributions may be made to: Camp Rising Sun, P.O. Box 472, Branford, CT 06405.
The visiting hours will be Sunday, October 1st from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church/St. Paul VI Parish, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden on Monday morning, October 2nd at 10:00. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Whitney Avenue, Hamden.
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I am saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He touched many lives in his time on Earth and heaven needed his kind soul. Much love to the family ♥️
My deepest and most sincere condolences to his beloved family
and to all who knew and loved Coach.
I am so fortunate to have known the kindness and wisdom that he shared so easily.
It’s time for him to Rest In Peace. May we all carry on his legacy of making the world a nicer place, one smile at a time.
To the Koch family, we were deeply saddened to learn of Dave’s passing. It was a pleasure to know him and his family through his daughter Jody and the children. We love sharing grandchildren with the Koch family. It was an honor to know Dave and Val through Jody . Maris and Myles are such a joy and I know they will deeply miss their Grandfather. His loving them so immensely will be hard shoes to fill. We will always be there to help in anyway we can. He was always smiling and so much fun to talk to and hear his stories. What a wonderful Father, Husband,, Grandfather, Uncle and friend . He will be missed and always remembered for his giving spirit and his kindness to all. RIP Dave you are free of pain now and are with the angels in heaven watching down on your family and friends now. You are in our hearts forever remembered.
Donna and Dave McMahon
Many memories with this great guy: spinning at the JCC ( only two types of days, good and great!) watching Yale hockey games at Ingalls (It’s all your fault!), wings at Archie Moore’s, Camp Rising Sun charity events, talking NY Rangers hockey and of course his love of music ( hear those cowbells?). A nicer guy could not be found on this earth and will be deeply missed. My sincerest sympathies to the Koch family. It was an honor to know Coach.
Such an AMAZING man! Truly an inspiration to all. Rest in peace my dear friend. You will be sorely missed. Thank you for all you have done for so many, for so long. Condolences to Val and family.
A wonderful man who inspired us all. Our prayers and condolences to your family. We are all deeply saddened by your loss. It is our loss as well.
One of the most resilient person that I have known. He was a shining star for anyone who knew him. To Val and the family, thank you for sharing him with me and everyone else who loved him. Please continue his Cancer work. RIP my King, you will truly be missed!!! Barbara Nichols
To all the Family. There was never a kinder, more caring man that has lived. He was a blessing and help to hundreds of people. He took me by the hand and gave me courage to face cancer and fight it. He will be missed but he will also live forever in the hearts and memories that all people hold for him. May God comfort you all in the hours ahead and surround you with peace and love. He will always be my warrior!! Love to you all. Deb and Jim. Val we are here for you if you need anything.
Remembering a Special Man – Dave (Coach) Koch
Thom and I were lost for words! We are so heartbroken for Val, Jody, our grandkids – Maris and Myles and the rest of the family. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Coach will miss him but in our hearts, we know he is in a better place and free of pain. Thom and I enjoyed visiting with Coach and his wife, Val. Even for a short visit, Coach was able to show us what an amazing human being he was. Those few hours together were worth a lifetime of simplicity, kindness, humility and strength of his faith. We will forever treasure the simple things he did to show he cared and the wisdom he shared and the actions he took to inspire everyone around him. We will forever grateful for the love, generosity and sacrifices he gave to our grandchildren.
We pray for the family and Coach’s eternal resting of his soul. We praise God to have met him and pray for the Lord to comfort Val and the children and grandchildren. In time, we will be able to share wonderful memories that will keep Coach alive in our hearts, and he will continue to live on through us.
“1 Corinthians 1:3 – Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
So sad to lose such a wonderful man like “Dave”. One of a kind and he will be deeply missed.
I am so sorry for your loss of Coach
He was my Hero.
Seven years ago he came to State Street cafe selling his bags of life.
Told me the story behind them and we got Seven sold in 5 mins.
My bag was in honor of my mom daddy and my Son in-law
That year he sent me pics of each from D C
Next year was in memory of my Son in-law Christopher who lost his life to brain cancer
Again he sent me pics from D C of his bag
I began selling them at state street cafe to last year.
Coach always stopped in after his death to see how I was
Val and coach saw Christophes daughter growing through pics of Holly
Coach was a true freind gave me hope on my darkest days
I am so honored to have known him
My prayers for all of his family
He will always be my hero
God Bless always by our side
Until we meet again
Xoxoxo
Coach was a great guy to work with at Whitneyville PO. He kept the place going. Always in good spirits. His work with the ACS was inspirational. My condolences to Valerie and family. He will be missed. RIP, Coach.
Cousin Dave, Patty and I are still not believing you are gone. When I think back I realize what an incredibly important friend and cousin you were to me. We played outdoors when we were kids for hours when our parents visited our Aunts and Uncles all over New Haven and Hamden. During tougher and more challenging times we together mourned the passing of your Mom and my Dad within 3 days of each other in ’97. Soon we were both diagnosed within weeks of each other. You had your treatments before me but never failed to show up at my door after each treatment I received to see how I felt. We walked our first Relay for Life together in 1998. From then on your commitment and dedication to the cause is unequaled and has helped thousands. We know you are now in paradise with The Lord and His angels. Heaven is lucky to have you. As were we.
As always, All our love to Val and family.
I didn’t know Dave, but I was inspired by reading his obituary. I’ll take his story with me in my heart today and make it a good day and a great day. My condolences to your family.
Dave truly was inspirational – an extraordinary man with a huge heart and a passionate commitment to help others. Everyone who knew him loved him.
I will be out of the country as of tonight so I can’t come to pay my respects in person. But I will make a donation to Camp Rising Sun in his honor.
Sending love to his loving family.
We will miss you, Coach.
I feel grateful to have gotten to know Coach Dave through his spin “ministry” at the JCC. It was more than just an exercise class but a lesson in positivity and gratitude. He always made my day, taught us to look on the bright side, and to be thankful for each day as it comes. His huge heart, big smile, and love of all (especially his beautiful family whom he mentioned often) will not be forgotten.
Jody, I’m very sorry to hear of your father’s passing, I remember how special he was to you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs. xoxo
Everyone will miss Dave. He was my daughter’s favorite coach. He always wanted every player to have their chance to play no matter what skill level. He cared more about giving player a chance to play than to winning the game.
We will never forget Dave as our indoor cycling coach and ongoing supporter of cancer survivor causes. He was such a positive influence for all of us at the JCC and we will miss him so much. We are sending our love and deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Dear Erika & Jody,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family.
Your Father was the kindest most optimistic person we
ever met.
A beautiful soul is never forgotten.
Marisa & Tom Melillo