Robert E. Koch, 90, of 59 Roys Road, New Ashford, formerly of East New Lenox Road, Pittsfield, died Friday, February 26, 2016, at Springside Rehabilitation after suffering from Parkinson's Disease for five years.
Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on August 26, 1925, he was the middle of three boys of Dr. William Henry Koch and Catherine LeMens Koch of Highland Park, New Jersey.
A veteran of World War II, Mr. Koch trained as a Navy pilot. When discharged with full honor, he returned to New Jersey to complete his studies and graduated Rutgers University with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering.
He started work for General Electric as an electrical engineer moving from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Lynn, Massachusetts, to Schenectady, New York, before settling in Pittsfield. He retried on December 31, 1987, with more than 39 years service. Upon retirement, Bob had been credited with over twenty patents in high voltage transmission protection equipment for
G.E. To this day, Bob's fuses are still in use around the world. He was a member of the I.E.E.E. Mr. Koch was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pittsfield.
Bob loved music and found out early on that he could usher at Tanglewood and needed only a tuxedo, and so began his over 64 years of Tanglewood summer music. On July 13, 2009, he was honored by Tanglewood for being the longest serving usher.
Bob served on multiple board and treasurer of many more including South Mountain Concerts, Berkshire Concert Choir, and the American Guild of Organists. He was·a member of the Metropolitan Opera, Friends of Tanglewood, and the BSO.
Mr. Koch's wife, the former Kirsten Hinrichsen, to whom he was married for 54 years, died in 2002.
Mr. Koch is survived by his three children, Robert Koch of Garland, Texas, Margaret Koch and wife, Meredith King,of Chamblee, Georgia, and John Koch and wife, Kathleen C. Koch, of New Ashford; two grandchildren, Christopher Koch of Pittsfield and Annie Koch of New
Ashford; as well as his younger brother, Richard Koch, of Trenton, New Jersey, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his elder brother, William Koch.

FUNERAL NOTICE:
Funeral services for Robert E. Koch will be held Sunday, March 6, at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 55 Fenn Street, Pittsfield, with Rev. Ralph W. Howe, Pastor, officiating. A gathering will follow at the top of the Crowne Plaza.
Calling hours will be Saturday, March 5, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at DERY FUNERAL
HOME, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Western and
Central Massachusetts or to Kitty's Corner at First United Methodist Church, or to a charity of one's choice.
The Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, is in charge of arrangemen

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