Christopher Michael Koch

View Video TributeChristopher Michael Koch, 34, of Washington, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at the Washington Hospital.He was born on December 6, 1977, in Coatesville, PA, a son of George Russell Koch, Sr., and Dolores Harple Koch, of Eldred, PA.A graduate of Otto Eldred High School, he also received 2 associate degrees from the Pittsburgh Technical Institute.He had worked at Rent-A-Center, in Washington, for 5 years, GMS, Mine Repair & Maintenance, in Waynesburg, and, since July, 2009, he had worked as a coal miner for CONSOL Energy.On September 5, 2009, he married Wendy Melson, who survives.Also surviving are 3 daughters, Somer Anne Safford, of Port Allegheny, Crystal Lyn Hopkins, of Taylorstown, and Meghan Leigh Kelley, who lived at home; a brother, George R. Koch, Jr., of Smethport, PA; 3 sisters, Barbara Cerklefskie, of Eldred, PA, Carrie Walters, of Clarksville, TN, and Ashleigh L. Corpuz, of Dothan, AL; and a grandson, William Michael Hopkins.Friends will be received on Saturday, January 28, 2012, in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, PA 15301, from 2 to 6 p.m., the time of services, with Rev. John Hoffman officiating.