In memory of Kenneth R. Mochel (1934-2020)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Kenneth “Ken” R. Mochel who died on March 31, 2020, at the age of 86.

Ken was born on January 30, 1934 in Woodbury, NJ to Myron G. Mochel and Eunice S. Mochel. He graduated from St. Lawrence University, NY in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, following which he served as student minister at the Universalist Church of Cicero, NY (1956-1957). Later in 1960, Ken earned his Bachelor of Divinity, and received his Religious Education Certification from St. Lawrence University Theological School.

Rev. Mochel was ordained on October 9, 1960 by the First Unitarian Congregation Church, Rochester, NY where he served as an assistant to the Minister for two years (1960-1962). He then accepted a call from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach, FL and served until 1965. Thereafter, Rev. Mochel carried out his interim ministry at the Unitarian Church of Barneveld, NY (1965). Subsequently, he served his parish ministry at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, NY (1971-1972) and the UU Fellowship of Big Flats, NY (1992-1996). On June 30, 1995, Rev. Mochel retired from his active ministry. After his retirement, he ministered at two neighboring congregations: Hornell Alfred UU Society, NY (1999-2000) and Auburn UU Society, NY (1999-2008).

In addition to his parish and interim ministries, Rev. Mochel provided his services to various denominational boards and committees. He was President for the Theological School Student Government, St. Lawrence Theological School (1959-1960), and member of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association, and Liberal Religious Education Directors Association. Rev. Mochel was UU Service Committee Representative to the Niagara Frontier Unit from Geneseo Fellowship. Furthermore, he served the Auburn UU Society, NY as an Adult Religious Educator from 2006 to 2014, and as a Newspaper Editor from 2007 to 2014. Notably, Rev. Mochel was one of the three members of the Hornell Alfred Unitarian Universalist Society (HAUUS) who facilitated the move from Alfred to Hornell.

Ken was also an active member of several community organizations, including Planning Council of Community Chest, Utica, NY; the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Rochester and Daytona Beach; Rochester Association for the United Nations; the City Club of Rochester; and Return Patients Committee of the Mental Health Association of Volusia County. He chaired the Rochester Independent Political Forum and served the Executive Committee of Halifax Chapter of the American Association for the United Nations; Executive Committee of Halifax Area Council on Human Relations; and the Social Concerns Committee of the Ministerial Association of Halifax Area. Likewise, Ken functioned as a Secretary of New York State CAP Directors Association and was delegate to the National Convention in NYC (May 1964). From 1966 to 1969, Ken was chosen to work for an anti-poverty program as an Executive Director at Utica Community Action, Inc. Utica, NY.

In his spare time Ken enjoyed gardening and lawn care. He was well known as a Master Gardener and had started a food pantry garden in Auburn, NY.

Ken is survived by his wife Audrey Mochel; his two sons David Mochel and Jim Mochel; and his sister Virginia Clark.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Auburn UU Society,  607 N Seward Ave, Auburn, NY 13021-2107 .

A memorial service is being planned.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Audrey Mochel at 13 Wood Street, Auburn, NY, 13021.