Jakob "Koby" Koch

Born in his beloved Villmergen, Switzerland, Koby emigrated to the U.S. in 1950. He took up farming with his aunt and uncle, Frances and Joe Michel, on Cotter Road in Old Chatham. He joined the East Chatham Fire Company and remained a member for more than 70 years. He also served in the Army from 1955 to 1958, stationed in Germany, and became a U.S. citizen during this time. Other than his years in the Army, he lived on Cotter Road from 1950 until his passing. He worked in surveying and engineering, among other jobs, even helping with the construction of the Empire State Plaza. He made many, many wonderful friends over the years, with whom he celebrated holidays and shared great memories. A regular at Jackson's Old Chatham House, he loved to converse over a Genny (later a merlot) and spend time with friends and neighbors. He leaves behind nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, among others in Switzerland, whom he loved dearly, as well as his "family" here in the U.S. He is at peace now, with restored vision, but will be missed tremendously by all who knew him and his generous heart.