Richard H. Koch, 90, formerly of Wyomissing, passed away peacefully Friday, March 2, 2018 in his residence at Arbor View at Willow Valley, Lancaster, with his loving wife Joanne (Deiter) by his side. He and Joanne truly celebrated 67 years of marriage together.

Born February 24, 1928 in Shillington, Dick was the son of the late Howard and Irene (Heck) Koch. He graduated from Wyomissing High School in 1946, Albright College in 1950 and Temple University in 1963. He also completed additional graduate studies at Kutztown University.

At Wyomissing, Dick was President of the HiY Boys Club, and was an incredible athlete, named All County in Football, was the high scorer in the Central Division in Basketball, and was an excellent pitcher on the baseball team, being offered tryouts with the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies.

Dick excelled in the classroom as a teacher at West Reading, Garden Spot, Schuylkill Valley and Muhlenberg High Schools. During that time, he coached football, basketball and soccer, and was honored to be named football Coach of the Year at Muhlenberg High School during one of the Muhls most successful seasons. He also coached football at Albright during their only undefeated season in 1960.

Well respected by his peers, Dick served on various advisory councils for several local colleges and was recognized for his Outstanding Service to Albright College in 1985. He was a highly-trusted Counselor in the Muhlenberg School District for 17 years, retiring in 1986.

Dick was a long-time member of Bausman Memorial UCC in Wyomissing, where he was a Sunday School teacher, deacon and elder. He and Joanne were also members of Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing, First UCC in Lancaster, and finally, Ascension Lutheran Church in Lancaster.

At Willow Valley, where he was affectionately known as “Coach,” Dick was the prayer leader for vespers, was on the Sunshine Committee, and particularly enjoyed the Sportsman’s Breakfast Club, leading conversations on a wide variety of important topics.

In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by a son Jeffrey D., husband of Dara, Limekiln, PA, a daughter Kathleen, wife of Daniel Langdon, Wyomissing, nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, who he cherished and will all greatly miss him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA, 19611, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial Services at Willow Valley will be announced at a later date.

Contributions in Dick’s name can be made to Ascension Lutheran Church, 600 East Penn Grant Road, Willow Street, PA 17584, earmarked for the defrayment of the Church’s mortgage expenses, or to your local Humane Society or SPCA.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.