Tom Koch

Tom Koch was an American humorist best known for his long tenure as a writer for *Mad* magazine and his work with the radio comedy duo Bob and Ray. Born Thomas Freeman Koch on May 13, 1925, he began his career in radio before transitioning to print. He joined *Mad* in the late 1950s and remained a contributor for 42 years, crafting satirical pieces and parody scripts that became staples of the magazine. His writing often skewered popular culture and politics with a sharp, deadpan wit. Koch also co-wrote material for Bob and Ray, helping shape their beloved, character-driven sketches. Over his decades with *Mad*, he contributed to numerous specials and collections, including *Fighting Mad* and *The Mad Weirdo Watcher’s Guide*. His collaborators included longtime *Mad* editor Al Feldstein and fellow writers like Dick DeBartolo. Koch’s work earned him a place among the magazine’s most prolific voices, though he avoided the spotlight. He died on March 22, 2015, at age 89. While he did not receive major individual awards, his influence on American satire is evident in the enduring popularity of the humor he helped create.