January 20, 1992

It was Carbon County's turn on Sunday to pay back Albert U. "Brady" Koch for the many years of service he so diligently gave to the area's constituency. And more than 500 people were on hand at Jim Thorpe's spacious Memorial Hall to recognize the Lehighton man for his "dedication, perseverance and hard work" as a commissioner for 24 years."A Living Testament of Service" was the fitting title given the affair by Eugene Durigan of Lehighton, chairman of the Albert U. "Brady" Koch Testimonial Dinner Committee, and during the two-hour long program many federal, state and county officials praised the 83-year-old as a "good neighbor and a loyal friend."Koch was showered with gifts from numerous county agencies and private entities. "I don't know if I deserve all of this," he said in his acceptance remarks, adding, "I want to thank all of the fine people who turned out today."Keynote speakers were U.S. Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski and Pa. Rep. Keith R. McCall, both of whom cited the retired commissioner's distinguished career at the county courthouse in Jim Thorpe.Kanjorski told a bipartisan audience, "In times when people have a willingness to find fault and blame, this didn't happen to Brady. He's gone through the test; may have disappointed some people along the way; but he made the tough decisions."Brady had the fortitude to make the tough decisions even when they were not poplar. This institution we call the

U.S.A. wouldn't be what it is today if it weren't for people like Brady Koch, and there aren't many of them."Kanjorski said as a U.S. lawmaker, he represents seven counties and has worked with 40 commissioners through seven years in office. "But," he said, "I have never had the pleasure of serving with a county commissioner any better than Brady Koch."McCall, saying he endeared himself to the Democrat since the start of his young political career, spoke about Koch's qualities. He said, "He is a kind, compassionate, diligent and hardworking man. He is a colleague who I enjoyed working with on the political front, but, more importantly, he was always a friend."The legislator told Koch, "This large crowd is a testimony to the respect all of us have for you."Frank E. Wehr, former county clerk of courts, Democratic leader and Weatherwood administrator, served as master of ceremonies, and he too cited the commissioner's untiring efforts.He said words like dedication and perseverance "cannot adequately quantify the true level of commitment and the genuine caring spirit of this distinguished public servant.""He endeared himself to an awful lot of people," Wehr reminded.The Rev. Joseph Kean, former pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Lehighton, who worked with Koch toward establishing a model railroad museum in carbon, made the trip from his duties in Ashland to provide one of his unique and entertaining banquet talks. But in a serious note, the priest asked the public to "be grateful for the unique persons God has put in our lives."Also speaking were Berks County Commissioner Anthony Carabello, past president of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Commissioners, and Connie Caldonetti, executive assistant to U.S. Congressman Gus Yatron.State Sen. James Rhoades of Mahanoy City was scheduled to attend but was unable to do so because of illness to his father.On behalf of the banquet committee, Durigan presented the ex-commissioner a monetary gift and a recliner. McCall gave Koch a House citation and read congratulatory letters from Gov. Robert Casey and Lt. Gov. Mark Singel.Caldonetti presented a House citation and a gift from Yatron, while Kanjorski said a resolution citing Koch's career will become part of the Congressional Record, a copy of which he forwarded to the honoree.Ben Brodsky, vice chairman of the Carbon County Conservation District, presented a plaque to Koch, citing his leadership in the establishment of the Mauch Chunk Lake park and the Carbon County Environmental Education Center.Charles Getz, vice chairman of the Carbon County Parks and Recreation Authority, gave him a gift from that committee, noting, "Without Mr. Koch, Mauch Chunk Lake Park would be a dream instead of a reality."