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Seth Alan Koch

03/11/1940 - 12/18/2025

Seth Alan Koch obituary, 03/11/1940-12/18/2025, Philadelphia, PA

BORN

03/11/1940

DIED

12/18/2025

FUNERAL HOME

Cremation Society of Pennsylvania - King of Prussia

714 Dekalb Pike

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

Seth Koch Obituary

Seth A Koch, VMD, MMSC, ACVO, passed away peacefully in his sleep December 18, 2025. Born March 11, 1940 to the late Dorothy and Jerome Koch, Seth grew up in Brooklyn, NY and attended Erasmus Hall High School, Binghamton University and University of Pennsylvania Veterinary school. He was a pioneer in the field of veterinary ophthalmology and initially trained on human eyes under the direction of Dr. Harold Scheie (Wills Eye Hospital). For over 40 years, he was in private practice in and around the Washington, DC area, and served as a consultant to the National Zoo, working on animals large and small, including elephants, cuddle fish and Kimodo dragons before moving back to Philadelphia, PA in 2012. During his career, he perfected a surgical procedure for the treatment of "dry eye", and he traveled around the USA and internationally presenting his "parotid duct transformation" technique to his ophthalmology colleagues. He was a respected teacher, beloved mentor, loyal friend and revered clinician for over 55 years and a luminary in the veterinary ophthalmology field.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Bellman; son, Andrew Koch and daughter, Susan Cahn and her husband, David; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Cahn, Douglas Cahn, Spencer and Lauren Koch; step-sons, Aric and Wyatt Bellman, wives, Jennifer and Amy; and five step-granddaughters, who knew and loved him as "PopPop", Emma, Ruby, Tess, Stella and Chloe Bellman.

In lieu of flowers, and because of his love of musical theatre, the family suggests that memorials take the form of donations to MusiColab.org/seth and the Seth Koch Memorial Producer's Fund. A private memorial service will be held in Philadelphia, PA to honor his memory.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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Beth Tornek Schulman

January 31, 2026

The Brooklyn Boys

Scott Tornek

January 31, 2026

Seth was a close friend of my dad Larry Tornek, from Erasmus High school. I most recently saw him both at my father´s funeral in NJ and subsequent Celebration of Life at his home in Miami. All three of my dad´s high school buddies attended: Seth, Ira and Bob. At 85 years young, they were the life of the party, and we enjoyed hearing the stories of the four Brooklyn boys back in the day.
Over the years, starting when I was a student at Penn and later when I worked at Penn Medicine, my dad during visits would invite me to lunch or dinner with Seth, and it was always special: those were rare glimpses into my father´s growing up days.
You will be missed Seth. Say hello to my dad for me, and to both of you: don´t stir up too much trouble up in heaven.

Alina Tesmer

January 24, 2026

Dr. Koch was a great doctor, in 2023 he operated on my rescued cat with birth defect that was in risk of going blind. That cat is gonna be forever grateful for the gift she received. Meanwhile i get to talk to the doctor about Brooklyn , Erasmus hall Hs i was very familiar too. Very sincere and classy person, he will be missed.
Thank you Doctor Koch.

Bud Siemering and Vickie Watson

January 4, 2026

Seth wasn´t bigger than life. He was life. Seth was a presence.
He imbued all situations, professionally or socially, with a Seth brand of energy and humor. As a trailblazer Seth introduced veterinary specialists to the public market place. In his next life I hope the jokes are funny, the cars sleek and the airplanes high performance. RIP my friend.

Joe Yakobosky

December 31, 2025

So sorry for your loss. I'd only met him once, this past year, when he examined our pet. He was straight forward in his manner, not holding back on his thoughts. I only spent maybe 30 minutes with him, but it was east to recognize that he really was a remarkable man.

Jenn Kotz

December 30, 2025

I´m so sorry for your loss. He took care of my girls eyes recently and he was just the sweetest and you could tell he loved what he did. Such a loss to any pets he was treating.

Joanne Lewullis

December 30, 2025

To Dr Koch Famly
He did eye surgery on my dog Honey Who is 15 years old. I was unsure of getting the surgery done because of my dog´s age, she had to have her eye removed. Dr. Koch told me he would take very good care of her and God bless him he did.
Thank You Dr Koch you were right, my dog is adjusting with
One eye and running around crazy thanks to you.
Now you can take care of all the animals in heaven may God bless you and your family.
Joanne Lewullis
Allentown

Carlos Vasquez

December 30, 2025

I met Dr. Koch as he treated my pet for eye issues Valley Central. We loved visiting with him in Whitehall. He was also so welcoming to us. We will miss him dearly and send our deepest condolences to his family.

Roger and Peg Noel

December 29, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Dr Carlos Hodges

December 29, 2025

Barbara; Thoughts and prayers are with you from all at Valley Central. Seth was a classic individual. God rest his soul.

SUSAN SHAPIRO

December 29, 2025

Barbara I am so very sorry to hear about Seth. It makes the time we all spent together even more special. He had a wonderful sense of humor.
If there is anything I can do for you please don´t hesitate to reach out to me.
Love,
Susan

DT

December 29, 2025

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life´s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friends. Please find comfort in the words found at Isaiah 61: 1,2.

Ruth Schaffer Bramson

December 29, 2025

Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss. Seth has been a dear friend since he was in veterinary school. I marveled at his determination and irreverence. He was a unique being.

Rae Middleton

December 27, 2025

I´m so sorry to see this. Dr. Koch diagnosed and treated our first weim puppy, Scout, in 2003 and saved our Jake´s life in 2007. I really liked him. RIP Dr. Koch.

Jim Davis

December 27, 2025

Dr. Koch was so kind and likeable - you couldn't help but love him! He was treating our dog (Winston) for glaucoma and Winston liked him so much. Dr. Koch made a difference, he will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace, my friend.

Debbie Bergeron

December 26, 2025

RIP Dr. Koch.

Kristan Gutowski

December 25, 2025

Seth was one of the most influential contributors to my veterinary medical career. His no none-sense specific details and solutions for with handling procedures and clients kept me sane in vet med. His love of theater brings back so many great memories. Seth - you made a difference, you made vet med better. You will be missed!

Sharla Feldscher

December 25, 2025

I liked Seth the minute I met him! His career history is fascinating! I´m so sorry for your loss, Barbara, and the rest of the family! Xoxo Sharla Feldscher

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Funeral services provided by:

Cremation Society of Pennsylvania - King of Prussia

714 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422

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