Obituary of Howard Kocmond

Howard C. Kocmond passed away on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina after a brief illness. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois on September 23, 1941 and was the son of Henry and Catherine (Rehbock) Kocmond. Howard graduated from Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio and obtained his MBA degree from Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. In 1965 he married Susan Malone and soon after was drafted into the Army. He rose to the rank of Captain in the Medical Service Corp and served in Vietnam with the 45th Surgical Hospital in Tay Ninh. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. Howard worked briefly for the United States Steel Corporation in New York City and Western Union Telegraph Company in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. In 1976 he joined the Minolta Corporation in Ramsey, New Jersey and retired in 2005 as Senior Vice President and Controller. Howard was a member of the Wyckoff Reformed Church and served as both a deacon and a treasurer. He was also on the Board of Govenors, Ramapo College Foundation and was a member of the Nyack Boat Club. Four years ago he and his wife Susan moved to Lake Wylie, South Carolina to be nearer to their sons and their families. They grew to love their new home in the South and joined the River Hills Community Church. Howard was also a member of the River Hills Lions Club as well as a certified Master Gardener in both New Jersey and South Carolina. From childhood Howard enjoyed sailing. He loved taking his grandchildren for rides on Lake Wylie. In retirement Howard became a great cook and enjoyed playing golf. Howard's happiest days were spent with his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by all. Howard is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Susan Malone Kocmond, and their two sons Dr. Jonathan Kocmond (wife, Sarah) of Charlotte, North Carolina and Peter (wife, Jill) of Milton, Georgia. He is also survived by five beautiful grandchildren: Taber, Nathan and Elle Louise of Charlotte; North Carolina and Tyler and Liah of Milton, Georgia. Surviving is his brother, Henry C. Kocmond, of Lake Mary, Florida, his sister, Lynne Plum, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and six nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina for their wonderful care and support during this difficult time. We are sincerely grateful for their dedication and attention to our dear Howard's care. Visiting Sunday 2-5 pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481. Funeral Service, Monday 11 am at Wyckoff Reformed Church, 580 Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff, NJ. Interment will be in the Church Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to: The American Cancer Society, 901 E. St. NW, # 500, Washington, DC 2004; River Hill Lions Club, PO Box 5016, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 or River Hills EMS, 4 Heritage Drive, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 would be appreciated.