Dustin Jon Koch Of Long Branch Dies At 26

Courtesy of Fiore Funeral Home

Dustin Jon Koch, 26, of Long Branch, passed away tragically in a car accident on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.

He was born on Aug. 9, 1988 in Long Branch, a town he was proud to be part of. Dustin was a 2006 graduate of Long Branch High School. In the year 2010. Dustin graduated from Brookdale Community College with an associate’s degree in science.

Following his time at Brookdale, he continued his education at New Jersey City University-Wall in the criminal justice field. He was previously employed at West End Foodtown and Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson for seven years, where Dustin was a security officer and known as “Guardian of Gate 6”. He was presently employed at Rite Aid as a loss prevention officer.

Dustin was an avid Boston teams sports fan and loved the city of Boston. He loved the Boston Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics. He enjoyed many viewing hours as a fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were his favorite NFL team.

His passion for life and others included political debates over justice for all. Never stepping down from his beliefs, he would fight to the end for all he believed in. His unconditional love for animals and people with disabilities would warm your heart. Dustin was a strong advocate for our systems law enforcement, especially after 9-11.

Predeceased by his grandparents, Albert F. and Irene Beck, Waukesha, WI and Frances Koch, Maplewood, NJ. Also former NYC mayor, Ed Koch, who was a great uncle to Dustin. He is survived by his loving autistic brother, Aaron Koch, West Long Branch; his parents, Andrew L. Koch and Patricia A. Koch, Long Branch. Also great-aunt, Pat Koch Thayler, NYC, aunt Kathy DeVillers, New Berlin, WI and uncle Albert A. Beck, Waukesha, WI. Several wonderful canine friends, beloved K-9 Wolfie Ash, present, and past beloved K-9 pals, Cuddles, Pepsi, Bonnie and Bear Bear, and feline beloved pals Ed and Witty, present.

For all of our years to come, Dustin will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to share heartfelt moments with him. His loving neighbors, Steve, Jimmy and Lori uplifted his days, sharing harmony for his happiness with his family and furry friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at Fiore Funeral Home, 882 Broadway, West Long Branch. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.