Jack Kolff

Dr. Jack (Jacob) Kolff of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and Raquette Lake, New York died of a stroke complicated by Parkinson's Disease on May 7, 2023. He was born on August 23, 1938 to Dr. Willem and Janke (Huidekoper) Kolff in Groningen, The Netherlands. He emigrated to Cleveland with his family in 1950. He received his BS from Allegheny College, MD from Case Western Reserve and completed his cardiac surgical residency at the Cleveland Clinic. He also served two years in the Air Force. Dr. Kolff was invited back to The Netherlands for two years to develop the Cardiac Surgical Department at the University of Leyden before moving to Philadelphia where he established the first heart transplant program at Temple University while also actively developing the artificial heart. Since no insurance company would cover the cost of these early heart transplants, he and his wife started a national not-for-profit organization (NTAF, now Help Hope Live) to assist families and communities in raising money appropriately to help cover medically related transplant costs. He later initiated a private cardiac surgery practice in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Not only was Dr. Kolff a cardiac surgeon, but he was also a teacher, a mentor, and an inventor who touched many people's "hearts". He was wonderfully curious, forever inquisitive and genuinely interested in learning from others.

Dr. Kolff and his wife Patricia (McAuley) of 56 years loved to ski, hike, garden, camp, and travel the world. Summers were spent in their beloved Adirondack camp with family and friends where he most enjoyed time in his boathouse and driving his 1931 Chris Craft. Most importantly, time with his family gave him the greatest joy whether it was working together in his wood shop, exploring nature or just sharing their life experiences. His love for life was clearly expressed through his wonderful smile and kind blue eyes.

Dr. Kolff is survived by his wife Patricia, son Dr. Jeffrey Kolff, daughters Tara Kolff Shehab and Courtney Kolff Hunnewell, greatly loved grandchildren Addison and Phoebe Kolff, Hugo Shehab and Jack, Wyatt and Sadie Hunnewell as well as one sister, three brothers, seven nieces and a nephew. The family will host a Celebration of Life for all those interested on June 29 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Appleford Estate 770 Mt. Moro, Villanova. www.applefordestate.com Donations to The Kolff Society at www.helphopelive.org in Jack's name would be appreciated.