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Kenneth LAKOFF Obituary

LAKOFF Dr. Kenneth of Malvern, PA passed on May 30, 2025 at age 82.. Kenny "Doc" was the beloved son of the late Russell and Shirley (Smith) Lakoff, brother to Deborah and Jerrold (Catherine), loving father of Lauren Gelman (Kevin), Jayne Burchmore (Dave), and David (Erika), Pop-Pop to Joshua Hirsch Gelman, and Avery Talia, Jacob Russell, and Oliver Shea George Lakoff, uncle to Jill (Yoseloff) Caruso, predeceased by Miriam (Yoseloff) Kirchgaessner. After graduating with honors from Lower Merion High School, Ken was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania. He then earned his MD at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Ken did his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital under the guidance of S. Leon Israel, president of the American Gynecological Society, who dubbed Doc as having "gilden handalach," or golden hands, for his dexterity in surgery. Ken served in the U.S. Air Force at SAC in Omaha, NE. A physician of skill and compassion, he began a long-term practice at Crozer Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital. Dr. Lakoff had the diagnostic abilities of a puzzle master. He had a keen recall of Gray's Anatomy even as he battled Parkinson's disease unto his final days. As the first grandchild of his generation, he was reliably called on in matters of medicine, law, philosophy and science. While a non-believer, he loved Jewish culture and humor. He spent many happy moments playing romantic arpeggios on the piano and his greatest joys were classical music, bridge and travels throughout France. He had a respectable golf game and was a Philly sports fan for life. Ken Lakoff will be long remembered for his down to earth kindness in the service of family, friends and society. He was a mensch. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. at the home of Jayne Burchmore in Ardmore. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation or NARAL. www.levinefuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on May 31, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth LAKOFF

Sponsored by Joseph Levine & Sons Memorial Chapel, Inc. - Trevose.

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4 Entries

Diane Straus, RN, NP

June 2, 2025

He was a saint to our patients and a wonderful professional to work with. He will be fondly remembered.

Barbara Thomas

June 1, 2025

He stood strong and brave against a very angry mob. I will always remember his kindness and compassion. A true warrior for reproductive rights.

Bill Green

May 31, 2025

Ken it was a pleasure knowing and supporting you as you stood tall in the defense of a womans right to choose. I would have taken a bullet for you doc.

Jonathan Mark Coleman

May 31, 2025

My relationship to Kenny is once-removed--but not by much. His brother, Jerry, is one of my oldest and dearest friends, whom I first met at Indian Lake Camp a lifetime ago, a camp that Kenny also went to, but I am not sure for how long. Jerry's closeness--and devotion--to his brother is something I only became aware of in the last few years as Jerry has gone to see him, usually bearing Italian food, on a regular basis as he waged war with Parkinson's. Reading the things written about him on Legacy.com warmed my heart. His skill on the piano I did not know about until yesterday when Jerry sent me a photo of a young Kenny, standing in front of a piano, with a tuxedo. No surprise, the last part. The Lakoffs prided themselves on looking sharp. Russell set the tone and gave them a model. May "Doc" Lakoff's rich life, embedded in his love of family, be a memory for all who loved and cared about him.

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Memorial Events
for Kenneth LAKOFF

Jun

1

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Home of Jayne Burchmore

Home of Jayne Burchmore, Ardmore, PA

Funeral services provided by:

Joseph Levine & Sons Memorial Chapel, Inc. - Trevose

4737 Street Road, Trevose, PA 19053

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