Alan Koch

Alan Koch

Alan Koch, 84, of North East passed away on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 at his residence. He was born on March 8,1939 in Buffalo, New York to the late Harrison and Caroline (Elasser) Koch. He graduated Frontier Central High School where he played football, ran track, sang in the choir, and acted in plays. After high school, he attended the University of New York College in Buffalo where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and Master’s degree in art education. He was formerly employed by the Westfield Academy and Central School as an art and drama teacher for 35 years. During his educational career, he directed over 20 musicals, 20 plays, taught ballroom dancing, coached football, track, was the president of the teachers’ union, was an advisor to the junior class, coached cheerleading, and directed six faculty musicals. He was also employed by the Erie Playhouse as the assistant set designer for several years. Alan had a passion for stage acting and performed at the Erie Playhouse, Westfield Little Theater, North East Community Players, Studio 54, The Murder Mystery Dining Theater, The Village Dinner Theater, and the Lincoln Theater. He also worked professionally at The Millbrook Playhouse in Mill Hall, PA and the Tripp Lake Playhouse in Maine. He was also a lifeguard at Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Camp for three years. In Alan’s spare time he enjoyed working in his garden, painting, and doing pen and ink drawings of people’s homes. He also loved traveling and throughout his lifetime he has been to Scotland, Ireland, California, Puerto Rico, England, Mexico, Florida, and Savanna. Alan had a passion for helping people reach their full potential especially in their talent to perform. He will always be remembered as an educator, artist, thespian, director, and friend. Alan was a loving uncle, brother and cared deeply about his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elaine Pyne. Alan is survived by his partner, Jon Chisholm; nephews, Clifford Pyne (Nancy) of East Aurora, New York, and Andrew Pyne (Melanie) of Buffalo, New York; niece, Linnea Pyne Jaegar (Michael) of Los Angeles, California and great-nieces and nephews, Bobby, Jessica, Emily, Anna, Kit, and Sarah, and several close friends. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake St., North East, Pa. Private interment will be held at The Cathedral of St. Paul All Saints Chapel in Erie, Pa. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.