Dr. Jack Orrin Gratch

Fort Worth, Texas - Dr. Jack Orrin Gratch passed away March 29.  He was 77

A Service for Dr. Gratch will be held at 2 pm Sunday, April 2, in the Kornbleet Memorial Chapel, located in Ahavath Sholom Cemetery, 411 N. University Drive.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Jack was the son of Tessie and Irvin Gratch. The oldest of four siblings, he was raised in a home above his father’s pharmacy, which shaped his interest in medicine and ultimately led to his life’s work. Jack attended Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science for his undergraduate degree and later graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1974. 

He moved his young family to Fort Worth in 1980, and his love of Fort Worth led to the future relocation of Jack’s parents and two siblings’ families to the area. He practiced nephrology for over 50 years and taught at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.  His colleagues, patients, and students will remember his exceptional care, brilliant mind, unyielding demeanor, and black hospital scrubs.

A proud Philadelphian, Jack had a deep love for all things Philly – the history, the cheesesteaks, but especially, the Eagles. He shared his father’s passion for sports cars and believed that the most meaningful conversations were to be shared over a good meal and an even better bottle of wine.

Above all, Jack’s most fulfilling accomplishment was being a father. He never missed one of his boys’ sporting events, even when they were in the northeast for college, and instilled in them a sense of discipline and determination that will live on through his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and twin stillborn sons.

In addition to his loving partner in life and work, Denise Mueller, Jack is survived by his devoted sons, Brian and his wife, Amie and Michael and his wife, Megan; four beautiful granddaughters, Emmery, Sydney, Isla, and Carys; former spouse and mother of his children, Donna Gratch; brothers, Steven and his wife, Frances, and David and his wife, Lori; sister, Barbara Schuman and her husband, Larry; and numerous other family members and friends.

Memorials:  In lieu of flowers, for those who wish are make contributions in his memory, the family suggests A Wish with Wings, a charity that Jack was proud to be involved with later in life.  Donations can be made at awww.org/donate.