Ronald Koch, longtime obstetrician, dies at 71
Palm Beach resident earned high praise for his compassion.
News of the death of Dr. Ronald Koch stirred an emotional reaction from many of his patients. Mothers — and some fathers — shared stories and condolences on social media for the doctor who delivered their babies.
Koch, a longtime Palm Beach resident, died Tuesday from brain cancer. He was 71.
For 38 years, Koch practiced obstetrics and gynecology at OB/GYN Specialists of the Palm Beaches, where he earned a reputation as a compassionate and devoted doctor.
Koch and his wife Paulette, a real estate agent with the Corcoran Group, were married for 46 years.
Carol Schultetus Graham shared her thoughts on Facebook, saying Koch was “the best of the best. He delivered all four of my kids. ... He truly made a difference in my life. I wanted to stay pregnant just so I could see him on a regular basis. ... There’s few who can impact your life like he did mine.”
G r a h a m Ru s s e l l c o mmented: “Superb, wonderful Ronnie. He delivered both my boys, now almost 35 and 32. Always smiling, filled with stories, the biggest hugs and always making you feel you were his favorite patient. He will be deeply missed.”
A couple of parents even shared pictures of their kids who were delivered by Koch.
Funeral services for Koch will be at 11 a.m. today at Temple Emanu-El, 190 N. County Road, Palm Beach.
Donations may be made to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, DUMC, Box 3624, Durham, NC 27710.