Joseph W. Koch

Koch, Joseph W. (Joe) of Randolph, formerly of Quincy, died unexpectedly August 20, 2014.

Husband of Laura “Lynn” (Hanby), father of Barrie Davidian and her husband John of Rockland. Cherished Papa to Sophie and Harper. Son of Simone and the late Richard J. Koch of Quincy. Devoted brother to Linda J. Bowes and her husband Tom of Quincy, Richard J. Koch, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Brewster, Susan A. Larsen of Centerville, Debra Eaton and her husband Bill, Mayor Thomas P. Koch and his wife Christine, and Simone J. Leary and her husband Ed, all of Quincy. Favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Koch graduated from North Quincy High School class of 1974. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Army, serving from 1974-1976, honorably discharged at he rank of E-4. During his service to our country, Joe completed training in the U.S. Army Heavy Equipment Operating School and would eventually become a member of Operating Engineers Local #4 upon discharge.

Joe took the Civil Service exam and was hired by the City of Quincy in 1977 with the Park Department where he would spend most of his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator, Foreman, and ISA-Certified Arborist. He most recently was a General Foreman at the Department of Public Works where he supervised the operation and managing of the rear yard waste, recycling, and composting program and oversaw the city’s snow and ice removal efforts. 

Perhaps his greatest asset was his ability to operate a host of heavy equipment and machinery with flawless precision and an unrivaled level of professionalism. Joe was instrumental and served as the main equipment operator in countless park improvement and renovation projects including Adams Field, Veterans’ Memorial Stadium, Mitchell/McCoy Field, Adams Walk in Merrymount Park, the Faxon Field track facility and Cavanagh Stadium. His present projects included the renovation of O’Neil Field behind Atlantic Middle School and the new greenspace on Coddington Street situated between Quincy High School and the Coddington Building. 

He was proudest of a quiet legacy, in the spirit of his father – without fanfare, visible throughout the city that will continue to benefit immeasurable enjoyers of the city’s park system and prided himself on his strong, dedicated work ethic. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Sunday 2-6 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Monday prior to the Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Quincy at 10 AM. Burial in Mt. Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to Koch Club Scholarship Fund, c/o City of Quincy Treasurer, 1305 Hancock St. Quincy, MA 02169.