John J Kochis

John J. Kochis, 80 of Los Lunas, NM, beloved husband, father grandfather and brother passed away on October 28, 2020 with his wife Arlene and son Jeremy by his side. John was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's disease 7 months ago and put up a good fight until his passing. Everyone that knew him always commented about what a great and wonderful guy he was. He was quiet, giving and never had an unkind word about anyone. John was born in Glouster, Ohio to James and Elizabeth Kochis. He graduated from Trimble Township High School on 1958. In 1959 he joined the Air Force with his two best friends (the buddy plan) and they were all separated. In 1961 John was reassigned to Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque and he loved New Mexico instantly. He said "It was the first time I could see farther than 500 ft." New Mexico's vast openness consumed him and he knew he was home. John separated from the AF in 1962 and worked for contractors eventually becoming vice-president of Coe Construction. By this time John had plenty of friends in the business and Rust and Rutledge encouraged him to go out on his own. Hence, Construction, Contracting & Management LLC. (CCM). John started with a partner and finally bought him out to become the President and CEO. John met Arlene late 2003. They clicked. A good friend of his said he went home and told his wife that he thought John had finally found the person he was going to marry, Arlene. He was right. They married and did some traveling. John was very spontaneous flying to Alaska to fish or going to Vermont in late September to see the autumn leaves. In 2007 John decided it was time to go to Betty Ford in Palm Springs, CA. When they asked him in group session why he was there, his reply was "I finally have the woman of my dreams and I'm not going to let alcohol be the reason I lose her". A month later he was home and a new man. When he got home he adopted Arlene's son Jeremy whom has profound disabilities. They were good buddies and John often told people that he had learned more from Jeremy than from anyone else in his entire life. 2010 brought him to the decision that it was time to retire. He liquidated CCM and the next chapter began. The first thing he did was bought a brand new enormous motor home and he and Arlene hit the road. They took a three month trip hitting 27 states and had way too much fun. They enjoyed cruises and Key West was his absolute favorite vacation spot. They were supposed to be there right now, but the ALS had other plans. John's 4 year-old granddaughter, Ophelia, used to Facetime him a couple times a week to talk to her "Poppy". He loved talking with her. John is survived by his wife, Arlene; son Jeremy of the family home; daughters, Liberty Salberg (Garrett), grandchildren, Gavyn, Cadence and Ophelia of Oak Creek Colorado; Kimberly White (Mark), grandchildren, Preston and Wyatt of Albuquerque; brother, Dave Kochis (Jan) of Richwood, Ohio; the Hrivnak family; Mom, Gloria Hrivnak; Marty and Marcia Hrivnak of Edgewood; Gayle and Jack Stayton of Los Lunas; Gloriane and Jack McSparren of Albuquerque; Lloyd and Vivian Hrivnak of Espanola; Lenora and Phil Stevens of Alamogordo and many nieces and nephews. John will be sorely missed. A special thanks to Silver Linings Hospice. His Nurse Jason, aide and chaplain, Kyle and Chaplain John Valentino. Also to Gloriane McSparren and niece Anne Chavez for all the support and help to Arlene during this trying time. Honoring John's wishes Cremation and Private Celebration of Life have already taken place. Arrangements entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home of Los Lunas 820 Main Street NE, Los Lunas, NM 87031 505-565-1700