Obituary of Christopher A. Schoch
Christopher Allen Schoch was born in Akron, Ohio on December 10th, 1946 to wonderful parents, Elmer and Pauline Schoch. Elmer was his best man, his role model, and his best friend. Pauline taught him to share his time and strength with those around him.
Christopher forged his faith early as a young member of the Immaculate Conception Church and Grade School, where he served as an altar boy. While a part of this congregation, Christopher joined the Immaculate Conception Boy Scouts of America Troup No. 3212, where he was a proud Cub Scout who earned his Wolf, Bear, and Lion Badges. Chris then became a Boy Scout and earned his Webelos, Second-class, First Class, Life, Star and Eagle badges, as well as the Ad Altare Dei award.
Chris followed his grade-school years with a diploma from Kenmore High School in 1964. This led him to the University of Akron, where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Management in 1969. While at Akron U., Chris joined the Lambda Chi Fraternity and also played football and wrestled. GO ZIPS! Chris also followed his passion and became a licensed private pilot.
After almost a decade in the working world, Chris decided to go back to school. He graduated from Baldwin Wallace's MBA program in 1981—the first in his family to attend graduate school. Chris's passion, ambition, and drive soon led him to Kallstrom Realty where he began a successful career in real estate and met a beautiful co-agent, Jacquelyn Brady. They married in 1979 and welcomed their only daughter, Coleen Patricia, a few years later.
Chris soon struck out on his own, founding Real-Net, Inc., a real estate company focused on commercial and industrial real estate sales. He proudly served as CEO of Real-Net until he retired in 2007.
A life-long resident of the Akron area, Chris was a champion of the local business and social community. He was a member of the inaugural class of Leadership Akron, served on the Board of Directors of the Akron Civic Theatre, was a dedicated speaker in the Fairlawn Toastmasters group, and an enthusiastic participant in Heart-to-Heart. Chris was also a member of Akron Kiwanis and was recognized for his volunteer work with learn-to-read programs. He was a devoted parishioner and Eucharistic minister at Holy Family Catholic Church in Stow for nearly 20 years.
Chris was an avid Zips, Browns and Indians fan. He also spent countless hours coaching his daughter in softball and soccer, looked forward to his annual ski trip to Big Sky, and enjoyed playing in his weekly golf league. But nothing could top a rousing euchre tournament with the Schoch and Hudak families, particularly if he left the table with a few extra dollars in his wallet.
Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2001, Chris fought the good fight. He remained active, upbeat, and incredibly determined. His resourcefulness and spirit were irrepressible, even when his body was not. Throughout these increasingly challenging years, his daughter Coleen remained his favorite companion, his former wife Jackie continued to walk by his side through it all, his sister Deborah reminded him to 'never, never, never give up,' his brother Eric accompanied him to countless appointments, and his friends Ed Davidian and Chuck Reese supported him as only true friends can.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Pauline Schoch, his elder sister Tanya Marie Schoch, and his dear friends John Bodis and Robert May. He is survived by his daughter Coleen Schoch of Atlanta, sister Deborah Ann Schoch (Ron Kirby) of North Carolina, brother Eric (Patti) Schoch of Green, godson Collin Schoch, also of Green, and his former wife of more than 30 years, Jacquelyn Brady Schoch of Stow.
A special thanks to Janera Scott, P.A., as well as the staffs of the Cleveland Clinic, the Village of St. Edwards, Great Lakes Caring Hospice and the Palliative Care Unit of Summa Akron City Hospital.
Friends may call Tuesday, from 5-8 pm, at the Anthony Family Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main Street, Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Norm Douglas on Wednesday, 10:00 am, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, followed by a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Chris's memory to Project Learn, projectlearnsummit.org.