Joseph R. Koch, 77, of Bethlehem, died May 17, 2024, at home. Born in Fountain Hill, he was a son of the late Joseph Leo and Katherine Arlene (Scholler) Koch. He was the husband of Charlene A. (Hunter) Koch for 50 years.

He was 1965 graduate of Liberty H.S. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Moravian College in 1969 and a Master’s degree in education in 1976 from Kutztown University.

He taught science at Easton MS for some years. He then was the environmental health and safety engineer, first at Bethlehem Steel Corporation until the plant closed and then for the Sands Casino and Hotel until it closed in 2016.

He was an artist and enjoyed oil painting and woodworking in his earlier years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Daniel and his wife Katherine of Pottstown and Jennifer Mendiolina and her husband William Nazzaro of Allentown; and three grandchildren, Devon A. Koch, Elia Mendiolina and Julian Mendiolina.

Arrangements were made by Cantelmi Long Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.