Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Please refer to obituaries for information on visitations, funeral services and requests by the family or deceased for honoring their memory.

Dr. Daniel Koch

March 13, 1938 - November 27, 2016

Text:

Obituary For Dr. Daniel Koch

March 13, 1938 - November 27, 2016

Koch, Dr. Daniel

Age 78, on Sunday, November 27, 2016, of Whitehall Borough.

Passed suddenly Sunday November 27, 2016. He was with his wife of 53 years, Sandee at their home in Whitehall. He loved life. He was a father to David and Kristen and father-in-law to Doug and Elizabeth. He was a brother to Natalie and Conrad. He was a brother-in-law to Arthur and Karen. Nieces, Liz, Ellen, Katie and his nephew, Alex and his daughter, Allie, will miss spending time with their Uncle Dan and participating in their lives. His grandchildren, Alex, Austin, Anna, Brendan, Mclean and Eva will miss their Gramps and all of the joy that he brought to them through visits and nuggets of wisdom. He will be missed by all that knew him for his generous ways and ease with words. Dan was born in Brentwood and learned at a very early age that hard work makes you lucky in life. "The harder you work, the luckier you get." He was a gifted athlete and student. He worked to put himself through school at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. He graduated early to pursue a degree in dentistry, which he received from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a Captain in the US Army and was stationed in Ft. Worth, TX, where he would meet the love of his life, Sandee. After a quick courtship of five weeks, he asked for her hand in marriage. While serving his country as a Doctor of Dentistry in Butzbach Germany, Dan made lifelong friends and traveled throughout Europe. Upon his return in 1964, he established a dental practice in Brentwood and it flourished. He ultimately relocated his practice to Whitehall in 1987, where he maintained his practice immediately adjacent to his brother, Conrad. Dan was part of the surgical staff at Shadyside Hospital until 1991, maintained a post graduate education of over 600 hours and was a clinical instructor in the dental school of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. During the early career days and fatherhood (David 1966, Kristen 1969), Dan decided to join South Hills Country Club. As an avid golfer and a former caddie at South Hills, he often felt like he had made it in life through this membership and carried that pride with him. Friendships made at the club have lasted decades and Dan considered himself to be one of the richest men alive through these relationships. He would regularly play golf, cards and have dinner on Wednesdays; and would often return the next night, or soon thereafter, for a meal with Sandee and friends. Dan and Sandee have wonderful relationships and the people that were around them often spoke with great affection about their love. Dan ultimately sold his practice in 1991 and "retired" to Deep Creek Lake, MD, to concentrate on sailing, fishing, golfing and enjoying life. As if he wasn't already. Being idle was not his passion and he realized he was never going to be a master sailor, expert fisherman or scratch golfer. He decided that he would pursue what he knew best and started practicing again that year. He was fortunate to make a great friend in Dr. William Yant, who had just bought a dental practice in Oakland. Dan was offered a job at the Dental Health Group and began working as a dentist until 2002, helping many people. Dan ultimately settled back in Pittsburgh in 2002 to be with his children, grandchildren and friends. He always found time to play golf, dine out with his wife and friends, and enjoyed watching the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates; either in person or on t.v. But again, the itch to help people found Dan joining Dr. Frank Cappetta from 2005 to 2015. Dan was a voracious reader and loved history. He was a savvy business and real estate investor and loved working with his hands. He was passionate about helping others and often volunteered his time at Catholic Charities as a dentist. Dan's professional memberships included being awarded the Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1983, Fellowship in the Academy of Dentistry International in 1988, Western PA Dental Society, the PA Dental Society, the American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. Dan will be missed greatly by his family and friends. He will also be missed by the people that he helped. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Rd., Brentwood 15227, Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Baldwin Community United Methodist Church on Saturday morning at 11:00. If desired, family suggests contributions to American Heart Assoc., 4 Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Ave., Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • December 11, 2019

    Sandee, Jerry and I were saddened by Dan's death. Our prayers go out to your family.

  • December 11, 2019

    Sandee, Jerry and I were saddened by Dan's death. Our prayers go out to your family.

  • December 11, 2019

    Sandy and family. I am so very sorry to read of Dr. Dan's passing. I had the privilege of working with him and getting to know you all while he was working at Dental Health group. HE was such an inspiration to me, and will never forget some of his sayings. Gods grace to you all. Love Brenda

  • December 11, 2019

    Dear Sandee, I have not seen you for several years and that is a shame. Just read the beautifully written obituary in this week's REPUBLICAN. Although all of the family and friends are grieving it must be comforting to remember the 53 years together and his quick passing. I remember around 1993 three fine dentists at the Yacht Club: Dr Savage, Dr. Koch, Dr Getty jointly analyzing Chad's orthodontia X-rays. They were not in agreement with an opinion in another city...and so we followed the recommendation from the Dentists in the Mug Room and it was the correct one. I am now a patient of Dr. Yant and he can do no wrong. I did not have the pleasure of visiting the Dental Center when Dan was there. Wishing you peace and love especially now and always, Carole Ann Lovett. Bill sends his condolences as well

  • December 11, 2019

    Dear Sandee, David and Kristen, My heart goes out to you during this time of loss. I always looked up to "Dr. Koch". I enjoyed babysitting for your family. When visiting South Hills CC over the years, I enjoyed running into him. What an awesome man and a legacy to leave. May God wrap his arms around you and fill your heart with our heavenly fathers love at this difficult time. Leslie

  • December 11, 2019

    Sorry to hear about the passing of an old friend and colleague.My condolences to the family. Mark. Diamond

  • December 11, 2019

    I'm truly sorry for your loss. Losing someone so special is devastating. The upcoming days,weeks will be difficult to get through but reflecting on your fondest memories will help you cope. Words might not come out, but tears speak the pain. Our Heavenly Father hates death and hates to see you/us and your family sad. Ezekiel 18:32. He promises to swallow up death, Isaiah 25:8 and reunite us with our loved ones, John 11:25. We can look to the future with hope.

  • December 11, 2019

    Dear Sandee, David and Kristen, My deepest sympathy. I was so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. My thoughts and prayers for you.

Skip to content