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elief in our MISSION
Remembering the Strength of Commitment
Bruce Koch found joy in so many aspects
of his life.
In his 34-year marriage to his best friend and most avid
supporter, LaRose Ray, he found a lifelong partnership.
Together they would have two daughters, Jessi and
Nina, and a granddaughter, Antoinette. “Bruce had many
passions, however his family was definitely first and foremost
in his heart,” explains Ray.
After his family, Bruce loved numbers and music. As a bass
guitarist and pianist, Koch indulged his passion for music
and shared his talents as a member of several bands in
the Philadelphia area. As a CPA, Koch used his head for
numbers to contribute to the financial success of several
local businesses throughout his career until he finally landed
with Starr Restaurants as Chief Financial Officer.
“He loved music and enjoyed accounting,” recalls Ray. “He
was so fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy both in his
life and to use his talents to contribute to the community in
many ways.”
Koch’s financial background and expertise was what
the Honorable Leon Tucker, formerly a member of the
Germantown Hospital Board of Trustees and Einstein
Healthcare Network Board of Trustees, was looking to tap
into when he approached Koch about joining him as a
member of the Board of Trustees of Germantown Hospital
in 1997. While on the Germantown board, Koch and Tucker
helped to oversee Germantown’s merger with Albert Einstein
Medical Center, now Einstein Healthcare Network, in 1999.
“Bruce and I became friends through our children when
they were at Germantown Friends School and I immediately
thought of him when Germantown Hospital was looking
to recruit new board members,” recalls Tucker. “We were
looking for good people who understood the community and
the hospital and Bruce was the perfect choice.”
Bruce Koch was a member of Einstein’s Board of Trustees
from 1999 until his passing in 2016.
As meticulous in his board responsibilities as he was in his
business dealings, Koch became an immediate asset to
Germantown’s board. His leadership during Germantown’s
merger with Einstein made him a logical choice to serve on
the Einstein Board of Trustees and he quickly became a
trusted member of the Finance Committee.
“Bruce became committed, heart and soul, to Einstein,”
recalls Ray. “He was most impressed by the diversity of the
community served by Einstein and dedicated his time on the
board to helping ensure the long-term viability of Einstein’s
Mission. He believed in the Mission and worked tirelessly to
ensure services like maternity care would not only remain
open, but be enhanced and expanded to provide care to the
community.”
The impact he made during his lifetime is immeasurable.
Not only on those so close to him, but on those who did not
even know him.
“He was PASSIONATE about making sure those in need would
receive the CARE they deserved.”
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