Richard Lee Koch

Richard Lee Koch, 82, of Staunton, VA passed away Monday, November 24, 2025 at Aviva Baldwin Park, where he has resided for the past seven years. 
Richard was born on October 2, 1943, to his parents, Betty Jean (Richardson) and Clarence Donald Koch, in Champaign Urbana, IL. 
Richard was a 1962 graduate of Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB), where he excelled both academically and as an athlete. He played basketball, baseball, and was honored to be inducted into the VSDAA Hall of Fame as an all-star football player. 
Richard went on to study at Gallaudet University, where he graduated in 1966 with a BA in History and was a proud member of the Kappa Gamma fraternity. He later earned an M.Ed. in special education from California State University-Northridge.  
On April 12, 1967, Richard married the love of his life, Harriet (Lachman) Koch, and they returned to Staunton, VA, where they raised their two children, James and Alisa.  Richard had a 33-year career as a history teacher at VSDB. Upon retiring, Richard and Harriet enjoyed traveling, volunteering on the VSDAA Museum Committee, and spending time with their beloved family and friends. Richard is known affectionately as “Pawpaw” to his two granddaughters, Jordan and Courtney, who are every bit his pride and joy. Richard will always be remembered for his sense of humor, love of sports and history, and kind heart. 
Richard is preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife, Harriet. He is survived by his son, James Koch of Charlottesville, formerly of St. Paul, MN; a daughter, Alisa Brooks and her husband, Kevin of Staunton; grandchildren and their spouses, Jordan Brooks (Kara) of Staunton and Courtney Brooks Ricketson (Austin) of Grottoes; and a lifelong friend and “brother”, Mel Carter, of California. 
There will be a private memorial service for the family held at a later date in Massanutten, VA, which has been a favorite family vacation spot full of special memories for the past fifty years. 
It is suggested that those wishing to make memorial contributions should do so to the Virginia School for the Deaf History Museum, c/o VSDB, P.O. Box 2069, Staunton, VA 24402.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Aviva Baldwin Park for the excellent care provided to Richard for the past seven years and to Legacy Hospice for the compassion and comfort provided in the months and weeks prior to his passing.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.