Michael John Kucha

1941 - 2010

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael John Kucha, beloved husband, father and grandfather. Mike passed away from a heart attack on Friday morning, November 26, 2010. Both his wife and daughter were by his side at the time of his passing. He enjoyed his last day with his family, as they celebrated Thanksgiving together.
Mike was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 2, 1941, to his parents, Michael and Helen Kucha. Mike had one brother, Bill Kucha, and two sisters, Dolores and Diane Kucha.
Mike attended Brooklyn High School, graduating in 1959. While at Brooklyn High School, Mike was voted "Outstanding Senior Boy." His high school accomplishments include track, cross-country, National Honor Society and co-editor of the high school newspaper, the Eaglet. Due to Mike's later Academic and Career Accomplishments, he was inducted in the Brooklyn High School Hall of Fame on September 16, 1988.
Mike's degrees include a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, cum laude, and a Master of Science, Civil Engineering from Ohio State University. Mike also obtained a Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Ohio State University College of Law. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honorary Society and a member of the American Bar Association.
At Ohio State University, Mike met and fell in love with Sandy Stuart. They married in 1964 and had two children, a son, Michael, and a daughter, Kristin.
Mike held various positions in the corporate world, including Chief Executive Officer of Iomega Corporation and partner with Idanta Partners, a diversified investment and venture capital firm in La Jolla.
At the time of his passing, Mike was a Principal in CEO3, a multi-functional, multi-discipline business advising firm. Mike thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the business world. It was not only his career but his passion.
Mike's community service activities include the Chairmen's Roundtable. Mike had a kind and gentle spirit and devoted a substantial amount of time to mentoring others in the local business community.
Mike faced one of his most significant challenges in his life when he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2008. He survived over two years and that feat alone is a miracle and we believe it is because he never gave up and never complained. By leaning on his family and friends, he was able to battle the insidious disease with dignity and grace.
Mike loved to spend time with his family, whether it was traveling to Hawaii, taking ski trips or relaxing over family dinners at home. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed the outdoors including landscaping and hiking and especially enjoyed working in the yard with his grandsons. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed all types of books, including novels, short stories, autobiographies and poetry.
Mike was full of knowledge, compassion and energy and enjoyed sharing with his family and friends his business acumen and zest for life. He will be missed and never forgotten. Mike had a tremendous impact on all those who loved him and will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Mike and Sandy have resided in the Rancho Santa Fe area for the last thirty years. Mike is survived by his wife, Sandy Kucha; son, Michael Kucha and his wife, Tamara Roe; daughter, Kristin Kucha; and grandchildren, Kyle Palmo and Preston Palmo.
The memorial service in Mike's honor will be held at The Village Community Presbyterian Church on Thursday, December 9, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. The family invites everyone to attend the service, as well as a reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society with a designation for lung cancer.