Gary Kruh, 59, cancer researcher

Gary Kruh, 59, a medical oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center for 16 years, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago of a brain injury from a fall.

Dr. Kruh specialized in the treatment of lung cancer. His research focused on understanding the molecular mechanism that enable cancer cells to resist chemotherapy agents.

While at Fox Chase Cancer Center, he was responsible for two patents related to gene therapy, published articles in numerous professional journals, and served on research-grant review committees and advisory panels. He was acting chairman of the department of pharmacology from 2004 to 2007 and was an adjunct professor at Lehigh University for five years.

Since leaving Fox Chase in 2007, he had been director of the University of Illinois Cancer Center in Chicago. "Dr. Kruh was a physician deeply committed to both cancer biology and cure, and in building a high-quality cancer program," said Joseph Flaherty, dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

A native of Brooklyn, Dr. Kruh was a lifelong New York Yankees fan and wore his Yankees cap even with a suit and tie. He earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Brooklyn College and earned a medical degree and a doctorate in biochemistry from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He completed an internship, an internal-medicine residency, and a medical-oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He was a senior fellow in the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md., before his appointment to Fox Chase Cancer Center in 1991.

Dr. Kruh lived in Society Hill while at Fox Chase. "He was a citizen of the world, traveling extensively for both business and pleasure. He was an avid skier and sailor with a special fondness for the Chesapeake Bay," said Marianne Pontillo, a longtime friend.

"Friends will remember Gary for his love of popular culture, appreciation of fine dining, and his distinctive dry wit," Pontillo said.

Dr. Kruh is survived by his mother, Helen; a sister, Tina; and his uncle, Ted Friedrich.

A funeral was held Sunday, Jan. 9, at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston, N.J.

Donations may be made to the Gary Kruh Tribute Fund, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Development Office, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia 19111.