Rob Restuccia, Key Architect of the Health Reform Movement, Dies at Age 69
National health care advocacy organization Community Catalyst today announced that
"Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of our dear leader, mentor and friend," said
Restuccia, along with philanthropist
Under Restuccia's leadership, HCFA fostered the growth of a potent consumer-led health advocacy movement that made
At Community Catalyst, Restuccia took the fight to the national level, helping spur consumer-led advocacy in more than 40 states. Working closely with the philanthropic foundation community, Restuccia helped generate
"Rob had a profound impact on me and my career. He is the true father of health reform here in
"Rob was particularly effective at helping raise the voices of consumers in the context of every important health care debate," said
During Restuccia's 14-year tenure at HCFA, that organization led the successful fight in
"Rob brought unique skills toward organizing a forceful new political voice for people and communities falling through the cracks of the health system. He also promoted collaboration between consumers and other stakeholders - policymakers, nonprofit, labor, faith, and principled industry leaders - to make needed change,"
Restuccia was particularly proud of Community Catalyst's growing body of work to change the
Toward that end, in 2003 Restuccia worked with health care leader
"Many Americans have unknowingly benefitted from Rob's leadership, vision and hard work building up a consumer advocacy movement that ultimately led to not just the ACA, but also many state health reforms and consumer protections," said
Born in
While his work was central to his life, Restuccia's biggest passion was his family and wide circle of friends. Married for 39 years,
"Rob always welcomed friends into our home and into our family," said daughter Nina. "He loved to cook big meals, finding a way to make a dining room that seated 10 expand to fit 25. To him, family was a broader construct that meant welcoming others in. He brought that same openness to every aspect of his life - constantly bringing people together. He instilled in my brother and me a sense of responsibility and an ethical code simply by his example. But there was always an expectation that while our paths were our own to choose - whatever we did, we would make the world a better place."
In addition to his Bachelor's degree, Restuccia held a Master's degree in Public Affairs from the
The family will welcome friends and colleagues to a celebration of Restuccia's life on
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