Amherst, MA – Byron Hyun Koh
Byron Hyun Koh, 89, of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away on June 13, 2026, just three days after celebrating his 89th birthday.
Born on June 10, 1937, in Boston, Byron was the son of Korean immigrants, So Am Koh and Mary Lang. After the loss of both parents before the age of eight, Byron and his sister, Mady, spent time at The Home for Little Wanderers orphanage before being fostered by a local family.
From a young age, Byron distinguished himself through his academic achievements. He attended Cardigan Mountain School, Kimball Union Academy, and Middlebury College. Following his graduation from Middlebury in 1959, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving for two years as a Second Lieutenant. During this period, he married Charlene Scott, whom he met at Middlebury.
After completing his military service, Byron earned a master’s degree from Boston University in 1965. He then continued his studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he received his Ph.D. in English in 1972, writing his dissertation on the poems of Robert Frost. Byron and Charlene raised three children: Scott, Blake, and Erin.
Byron devoted his professional life to education, teaching English at Springfield College for 37 years. He inspired generations of students through his love of literature and learning and commitment to the YMCA program at Springfield College before retiring in 2005.
Following his divorce from Charlene Scott, Byron married Fran Wall of Amherst. Together, Byron and Fran enjoyed traveling the world and building a vibrant circle of friends in the Amherst community.
Byron pursued his many interests with enthusiasm and joy. An avid gardener, he was especially proud of his tomatoes, which were the envy of neighbors and friends alike. A skilled cribbage player, he was a familiar face at the weekly tournaments at the Amherst Senior Center. He was also a devoted reader who eagerly shared recommendations and conversations about his latest favorite novels. A lifelong sports fan, Byron passionately followed the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics, and loved recounting memories of watching Bill Russell play at the Boston Garden.
Byron will be remembered for his intelligence, warmth, resilience, engaging conversation and enduring curiosity.
Byron is survived by his children, Scott Koh, Blake Koh, and Erin Koh; his grandchildren, Max and Ruby Koh, Riya and William Koh, and Zeke and Maya Ingersoll; and his sister, Mady Koh. He was predeceased by his wife Fran Wall and parents, So Am Koh and Mary Lang.
A private family service will be held in July.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Byron’s name to The Home for Little Wanderers https://www.thehome.org/
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