Following is the obituary for DR. MARTIN H. FLOCH, submitted for the family by the Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home in Fairfield.

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Dr. Martin Herbert Floch, of Westport, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2023. 

He was born July 24, 1928, in the Bronx, N.Y., to Samuel and Jean Floch. 

Martin possessed a passion for education. He attended New York University undergraduate where he was the manager of the track team. Martin then received his master of science at the University of New Hampshire, going on to obtain his M.D. from New York Medical College, and completing his internship and residency training at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. He completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at Seton Hall in 1960.

Martin was married for 68 years to the love of his life, Gladys Wisser (Floch). He served as a captain and chief of gastroenterology at the U.S. Army Tropical Research Laboratory in San Juan, Puerto Rico. After his military duty, Martin and Gladys settled in Westport, where they raised their four children.

Dr. Floch opened his private practice, becoming the first gastroenterologist in Norwalk. He was the founding chief of gastroenterology and nutrition at Norwalk Hospital and was the first in the area to perform endoscopic procedures.

During his years at Norwalk Hospital, he developed strong ties with Yale University, becoming a clinical professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine. Martin thoroughly enjoyed teaching thus developing the gastroenterology fellowship training program at Norwalk. He also supported and developed the pulmonary and radiology fellowships. 

Dr. Floch taught his students “always do what’s best for the patient.” He was director of the medicine training program (1970-87), the chairman of the Department of Medicine (1970-94), the chief of gastroenterology (1967-97) and a member of the Board of Trustees of Norwalk Hospital (1972-78). The latter years of his career he practiced at Yale School of Medicine, becoming the chief of ambulatory gastroenterology where he taught Yale fellows. He was triple boarded in medicine, nutrition and gastroenterology.

Dr. Floch was not only a clinician and teacher, but an accomplished author. He was the editor of five medical journals, the most prestigious of which was the American Journal of Gastroenterology (1985-91). He published seven books one of which included editing and writing for Netter’s Gastroenterology (three editions) becoming an international best seller. He was a visionary throughout his career seeing the importance of nutrition, fiber and the microbiome in health and disease. One of his last books was the first medical textbook on the microbiome, “The Microbiota in Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology” (2016).

Dr. Floch received numerous honors and appointments. He was elected a master of American College of Gastroenterology and an American Gastroenterology Association Fellow. Dr. Floch lectured nationally and internationally making an impact in the field of gastroenterology. 

Beyond his love of medicine, Dr. Floch was an avid sports fan, tailgating with his family at Yankees, Knicks and Giants games. He also enjoyed photography, gardening and traveling the world with Gladys. 

Dr. Floch was predeceased by his parents, sister Gloria Lobel, and his son Dr. Jeffrey Floch. 

He is survived by his wife, Gladys; sons, Dr. Craig Floch (Linda Floch) and Dr. Neil Floch (Robin Floch); daughter, Lisa Adelmann (Dr. Charles Adelmann); daughter-in-law. Ivette Floch; grandchildren, Brandon Floch (Dr. Stephanie Picon), Dr. Jared Floch (Dr. Courtney Andres), Justin Floch, Brittany Martin (Kyle Martin), Cassandra Floch, Samuel Adelmann, Zachary Adelmann, Brooke Adelmann, Sydney Floch, Jake Floch, and great-grandchildren, Elijah Floch and Benjamin Floch. 

Martin H. Floch, M.D., left a legacy in both family and the practice of medicine. His ideas, teachings and values touched many lives which will be carried on for generations to come.

For those who have expressed a desire to donate in Dr. Floch’s name, the family would be honored that it goes toward the education of gastroenterology physicians at Norwalk Hospital. Checks can be made payable to: Norwalk Hospital Foundation. Please specify on check: Restricted to GI Fellowship Program. Mail to the following address: Norwalk Hospital Foundation, 34 Maple St., Norwalk, CT 06856.