Mike Koski

Michael J. "Mike" Koski 60, of Fox Run Road, Swanzey, NH, died Friday, March 13, 2015, with his family at his side, at the Cheshire Medical Center / Dartmouth Hitchcock, Keene.

He was born in Rutland, Vermont, August 18, 1954, the son of T. William and Mary Ruth (Preedom) Koski.

He spent his early childhood in the Rutland area, moving to Keene where he attended local schools and was a 1972 graduate of Keene High School. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol while in high school.

Following graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force where he served as a nuclear weapons specialist. He was honorably discharge with the rank of Sergeant.

Mike worked for twenty years as service and parts director for the former David Ford in Keene. He later worked for a year with Leon's Auto Center in Keene as their service and parts director.

Mike's love for his family, friends and his community was reflected through his twenty-year devotion as a softball coach with the Greater Keene Woman's Softball Association. His compassion and instruction to the members of his team will forever be cherished by those who were able to be part of his team. Mike was also president of the Association, and was instrumental in organizing food drives for the annual invitational softball tournament's fundraisers and charitable organizations funded by the tournaments. He was also a longtime member, past president, and honorary life member of the Swanzey Lions Club.

His love for the great outdoors found him enjoying hunting and fishing, and hiking, kayaking and skiing with his family. He was a member of the Mt. Sunapee Alpine Ski Race Crew for twenty years. He was also an avid Red Sox fan.

Mr. Koski was a longtime parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at St. Bernard Church in Keene.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Marie A. (LaBarre) Koski of Swanzey; his two daughters, Jennifer M. Perkins and her husband, Samuel, of Swanzey, Theresa M. Koski of Swanzey; his mother, Mary R. Koski of Keene; his brothers and sisters, William T. Koski and his wife, Barbara, of Ludlow, VT, Mary Lynn DeRosia and her husband, Olin, of Ludlow, John D. Koski and his wife, Marie, of Springfield, MA, Mark J. Koski and his wife, Wendy, of Marlow, NH, Stephen F. Koski and his wife, Renee, of Keene; his father-in-law, Louis J. LaBarre and his wife, Sally, of Swanzey; his mother-in-law, Gloria E. Lavoie of Keene and her husband, Donald, who died earlier; his brother-in-law, Paul B. LaBarre and his wife, Susan, of Chesterfield, NH; and many nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, March 18th at 11:00AM in St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene. Private burial with military honors in the Monadnock View Cemetery, Keene, will be in the spring. Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mr. Koski's memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115; or to Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431-0564; or to the Greater Keene Woman's Softball Association (GKWSA), c/o Deanna Morrison, Treasurer, 46 American Avenue, Keene, NH 03431; or to a charity of one's choice.