Lower Burrell cancer, covid-19 survivor dies after cancer returns

A Lower Burrell man who survived four bouts of cancer and a lengthy fight against covid-19 passed away Wednesday night after a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma recurrence.

Fred Szoch, 69, had recently spent 75 days in the hospital, including 21 days on a ventilator, battling covid-19. He hailed his recovery as a miracle.

Szoch returned to his Lower Burrell home, where he lives with his brother, Ted. Ted Szoch said his brother was eager to return home, insisting on cooking meals, like casseroles, pork chops, and potato salad.

Fred Szoch had high hopes of what he’d do to celebrate his recovery. He wanted to walk his dog, go golfing, and plan a fishing trip to Montana.

But Ted Szoch said he soon saw his brother’s health begin to slip.

“He was home for one day short of two weeks,” Tedsaid. “He just seemed like he was having a lot of difficulty with energy.”

One night, Fred fell and cut his elbow. Ted said his brother’s condition worsened until he had to call an ambulance for his brother on June 27.

Fred was taken to UPMC St. Margaret hospital, where doctors determined his cancer had returned. He was too weak for chemotherapy. He was moved to UPMC Shadyside hospital shortly afterward.

Ted visited his brother in the hospital Wednesday after doctors informed him the situation was worsening. His brother was back on a ventilator, suffering kidney failure, and becoming weaker.

“They had at least 12 screens flashing, all kinds of things hooked up to him. He was on life support,” Ted said. “I got to spend a half an hour with him. I can’t say I got any reaction from him, but I did talk to him.”

Fred died around 6:30 p.m.

Now, Ted is reflecting on the good moments he shared with his brother.

Even in his short time at home after his covid-19 fight, Ted said there were good moments.

“It was a miracle he was able to walk out of that hospital,” Ted said. “He was happy. He enjoyed the attention. He enjoyed the moment of fame.”

Now, Ted Szoch said he wants his brother to be remembered as a “caring person.”

“If somebody needs help, he just will pitch in and help. He was a giving person,” Ted said. “I think he just inspired people to be good people.”

Ted will also remember his brother as an avid golfer, a champion of musicals, and an enthusiastic fisherman.

He will be having a small visitation and viewing for family and friends.