Kenneth M. Lakoff, MD

Kenneth Michael Lakoff, MD of Malvern, PA passed away on Friday May 30, 2025 at the age of 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 US 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 1-5 PM at the home of Jayne Burchmore in Ardmore.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org) or NARAL (reproductivefreedomforall.org).

Arrangements by Joseph Levine & Sons - www.levinefuneral.com