Milch Family Endowment
Created to support the education and research mission of our organization, while honoring the legacy of the Milch family.
Robert Milch, M.D. Co-Founder and Former CEO
Dr. Robert Milch, a renowned surgeon, is considered one of the founders of Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo. Much of the credit for the success and growth of the organization is attributed to the talents and leadership of Dr. Milch. In 1978, Dr. Milch partnered with other concerned citizens to initiate ‘unofficial’ hospice home care services. At that time, 120 volunteers were trained and ‘hospice type’ care was being provided to those in need. After years of serving as an avid volunteer and advocate, Dr. Milch was appointed as the full-time Medical Director of Hospice Buffalo in 1993.
Dr. Milch passed in 2021, but his contributions and impact will always be a part of Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo.
The Milch Family History
The Milch Family has been intimately involved with Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo since the early Hospice pioneering years. Dr. Elmer Milch, family patriarch and renowned community surgeon, encouraged his son, Robert, to pursue a career in medicine. David, Robert's brother (pictured in photo with Dr. Milch), is the creative genius behind such successful television shows as Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue and the HBO series Deadwood. The family matriarch, Mollie Milch, was a devoted volunteer who spent countless hours assisting the Hospice Foundation with its vital mission to advocate and seek support for the organization. In 2007, David Milch created an endowment honoring his brother, to support education and research at Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo. Upon Dr. Robert Milch's death in 2021, the family and community made significant contributions to this fund that is now known as the Milch Family Endowment.
Honoring Bobs Legacy
An intimate group gathered in late summer at Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo (HPCB) to celebrate the legacy of the late Dr. Robert A. Milch. A special tribute and ribbon cutting ceremony commemorated his impact and lasting contributions. This event culminated with renaming the Mitchell Campus to the Milch-Mitchell Campus.“Bob’s legacy extends far beyond this campus,” commented Christopher Kerr, MD, PhD, CEO & Chief Medical Officer of HPCB. “Bob is recognized—nationally and internationally—as a pioneer in the Hospice movement."
Make a donation to the Milch Family Endowment, and support the education and research to the mission of Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo.