Donald George Zoch's Obituary
Donald George Zoch passed away on the morning of January 24, 2020, from complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Don was born on July 26, 1938, the only child of Clara (Koss) and Paul F. Zoch in Chicago, IL.
He graduated from Fullerton State University with his B.A. in Business Administration in June 1963 and completed U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School in the spring of 1964.
He married Patricia Lee (Ammann) in Riverside, CA. in June 1961 where they met while working as a cook and car hop at the A & W Root Beer stand.
After serving active duty with the Navy for four years, Don converted to the Navy Reserve to settle his family in San Diego. He continued to serve in the Navy Reserve until retiring in 1990 as a Commander.
Don began his civilian career as finance director for the City of Chula Vista, then as an accountant/auditor and comptroller for the City of San Diego, and finally for the County of San Diego Assessors Office as an auditor/appraiser, where during his 23 years he developed and implemented computerized accounting and electronic reporting systems as supervisor in the Leasing Department. Along the way, he earned his MBA in Finance Management from National University in 1975.
After retiring from the county, he embraced his love of teaching by becoming a community college instructor, teaching various classes on Business Management and Real Estate.
Don was a passionate fan of blues and jazz throughout his life and an avid drummer. He shared his love of music with his children and grandson, taking them to see performers such as Ramsey Lewis, Count Basie, B.B. King, and Etta James, and volunteering for the local jazz station events.
He also passed on a love of the hometown San Diego Padres and Chargers to his children and grandchild and retained a long-time allegiance to the Chicago Cubs of his childhood years near Wrigley Field.
He was known for his kindness and generosity, his love of God, family, and country, his weakness for corny jokes, and his infectious smile.
He loved to travel with his wife and friends around the world and often enjoyed camping with his family and friends all over San Diego and California.
He was active in his church and volunteered many hours in his later years taking communion to the sick at the local hospital and working as part of the grief ministry of St. Pius X.
Don and his beloved wife Patty celebrated 40 happy years of marriage before Patty passed away in 2001.
He is survived by son Paul Zoch (Rose), daughter Laura Zoch, and grandson Christopher Zoch, all of San Diego County.
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