Jerome A. Koch Jr.

Jerome A. Koch Jr.

AGE: 63 • Fair Haven

Jerome A. Koch Jr., age 63, died peacefully surrounded by his family, on November 30, 2014, at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, NJ.

Jerome is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Betsy), of Fair Haven; his children, Kristen Ann, Kathryn (Katie), Jerome III (Jake) and Keryn (Kerry). He is also survived by his son-in law, Erik, married to Katie, and his granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth.

Jerome was born and raised in Westchester County, NY. He attended Cardinal Farley Military Academy, then graduated from The University of Notre Dame with a degree in Government and with an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson. In 1975, he and Betsy moved to Fair Haven. After his four years serving in the United States Army as an Officer, Jerome worked in his family business, Karl Koch Erecting Company. Shortly after retirement, Jerome became involved with town civics and assumed a position on the Fair Haven Town Council. He served diligently, taking care of details and interests related to Public Works, Zoning and the Historical Society.

Jerome was a communicant of the Catholic Church, and attended services at the Church of the Nativity. He was an active member of the Shrewsbury River Yacht Club, since 1984. He loved to be on the water and sought adventures, including fun outings domestically and abroad. He enjoyed both the fellowship in a golf game and his solitary time on the course, never shy to improve his game. In the winters, he loved time with family and friends on/off the ski slopes. Jerome was an avid reader, who sought to learn about history, economic development and politics. He was always quick to share a story and brighten any room with a joke or friendly anecdote. As an active UND Alumni, Saturdays in the fall were dedicated to the Fighting Irish.

Besides being a loving husband and a man sincerely dedicated to addressing the needs of his immediate and extended family, Jerome was deeply involved in caring for the community. He enjoyed being around town, making sure odds and ends were taken care of, and that the world looked a little bit better than how he found it. His family and friends will always remember him as a sincerely intelligent, witty and kind hearted person. When called to action he was consistently decisive and fair. Jerome had an affectious smile and a hearty laugh that has touched the lives of many.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 and a funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, both at The Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerome's life. The family has asked that donations be sent to the Fuccile Foundation, Metuchen, NJ and/or the Wounded Warrior Project @ support.woundedwarriorproject.org. The Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank, is entrusted with the arrangements.