Annette J. Koch

Annette Koch, 84, passed away on May 22, 2026, at Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. Born on September 27, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, she was the beloved daughter of Guido and Phyllis D’Alesandro.

A proud Italian-American, Annette carried her family heritage close to her heart throughout her life. She often spoke fondly of growing up in Brooklyn on Dahill Road alongside her sister, Lucille, and brother, Jim. Some of her happiest memories were of sharing stories late into the night with her sister, spending summers at Beaver Dam Lake surrounded by cousins and extended family and being raised by hardworking parents who instilled in her the importance of family, loyalty, tradition, and resilience.

From an early age, Annette possessed both creativity and determination. She became an accomplished ballroom dancer who proudly competed in the prestigious Harvest Moon Ball, but it was the theater that truly captured her heart. After attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she pursued a life in performance and storytelling, doing summer stock, working as an off-a Broadway actress and remaining deeply connected to the theater community throughout her life. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or later through her beloved Barn Theatre community and close-knit group of “Drama Queens” in New Jersey, Annette found joy, friendship, and purpose in the arts.

Above all else, Annette’s greatest role was being a mother and grandmother. She adored her sons and treasured every moment spent with her family. She was endlessly proud of them and poured her heart into creating a home filled with warmth, humor, conversation, and love.

Annette was also a gifted writer and natural storyteller. Later in life, she rekindled her passion for writing, publishing short stories and using her creativity to reflect on life, family, and the world around her. She had a remarkable ability to captivate people with her words, whether through her writing or simply around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter.

Strong-willed, independent, and deeply compassionate, Annette was fiercely loyal to the people she loved. She valued meaningful conversation, believed in reading the “fine print,” in all facets of her life, and always formed her opinions thoughtfully and carefully.

She was generous with her time, supportive to friends and family, and made it her mission to keep relatives connected no matter the distance.

Annette approached life with grace, resilience, and style. Even in difficult times, she carried herself with strength and dignity, always beautifully put together, with her hair done and makeup perfect, as though every day was an occasion worth celebrating.

She is survived by her loving son, Rob Koch; daughter-in-law, Denege Prudhomme; granddaughter, Vivienne Koch; her siblings, Lucille Coleman (Dick) and Jim D’Alesandro; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who meant the world to her.

A memorial visitation celebrating Annette’s life will be held on Thursday, May 28, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Magnificat Chapel. In accordance with Annette’s wishes, she will be laid to rest along with her son, Albert, immediately following Mass.

Annette will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her warmth, creativity, strength, and unwavering devotion to family. As the curtain falls on her final act, those who knew and loved her will forever carry her stories, spirit, and love with them.

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