Michael A. Koch of Altamonte Springs passed away at the age of 64 years on April 26, 2014 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, his high school sweetheart of 44 years, Bea Graham Koch, their son, Michael A. Koch II and his wife, Colleen of Panama City, daughters, Bridget Turner and her husband, Bruce, of St. John's County, and Theresa Sloan and her husband, Matthew, of Indian Harbor Beach.

Michael leaves behind seven grandchildren: Michael Andrew III, Owen, and Wyatt Koch, Brice and Brooke Turner, Matthew and Aiden Sloan. He was predeceased by their infant son, Sean Michael.

Michael retired after 25 years of service from AT&T and was an instructor previously at the University of Phoenix and presently taught finance at Full Sail University. He graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School ('67) N.J. and Monmouth University ('72) N.J. He earned his Master of Business, '93, from Webster University. Being a person of many interests, he earned his private pilot's license, a skill he hoped to use later when he would "Fly Navy". After graduating college, Michael volunteered for service to his country during the Vietnam War. After a short tour, he was honorably discharged from the US Navy Reserve in 1972.

A multi-talented man, Michael spent many years involved with the 10:00 choir at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church and both he and Bea, together were a 'FOCUS' couple for engaged couples at his church. Michael spent his 'spare' time involved with his family as 'the big chief' with the Indian Guides and Indian Princess program of the YMCA. He coached his children's little league teams and was a biking enthusiast. Later he expanded this interest to motorcycling, and became an active member and educator in the Honda Gold Wing FL1- H2 and FL1-W organizations. He was the driver for many family and friends first ever motorcycle ride because there is no one a person would feel safer with than Mike.

He was a passionate teacher of gun safety and hunter education. As an instructor for the Florida Fish and Game Commission, he taught multiple generations of young men and boys how to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.

In addition to being a loving father to 3 and grandfather to 7, Mike was also an invaluable handy man for his extended family. Mike spent many a weekend helping family members in all corners of the state of Florida with major home renovations and car repair projects. There was no project too big or too small for Mike.

The Viewing will be Friday, May 2nd from 6 p.m. until 8p.m. at DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland, Florida. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Maitland Ave, on Saturday, May 3rd at 1:00 p.m.
A celebration of Mike's life will follow at Bea and Mike's home.

Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751. 407-695-CARE (2273)