During his tenure as Associate Professor of Medicine at Hahnemann Medical College dad met his beautiful wife, Dolores.   Married for 58 years they shared a busy life together raising four children Michael, Barbara, Guy, and Debra.  Our father’s first medical office was in Center City Philadelphia where he resided for 25 years.  His practice evolved into the perfect blend of internal medicine with specialty interest in pulmonology.   During the 1960’s dad frequently published articles on pulmonary and respiratory disease for Philadelphia Medicine Magazine.   Dad then moved his private practice to Bala Cynwyd.   During that transition dad decided to take his own x-rays and develop them in his office so that his practice could be more efficient and expedite diagnosis and treatment for his patients.  For the next 30 years he continued working tirelessly and compassionately.  Upon his retirement the x-ray equipment was donated to a chest clinic in Romania.

  Our father was a consummate professional with a passion for his craft surpassed only by his love and devotion for family and friends. Our father loved the shore.  The Brignola family’s fondest memories are of Dad sitting on his beach chair at the waters edge reading his journals; the infamous journals that seemed to fill every room of our house.    We always knew how important he was to us, and us to him.

            Our father’s work ethic was tireless.  He worked 7 days a week always donning a suit with cordovan wingtip shoes with leather laces.  He always looked impeccable.   The weekends were no exception as he visited his patients in the hospital and would then continue his day by making house calls.  Any hour of the night our father would get up and meet his patients personally in the Emergency Room because they were his patients and that’s just what he did.   Through the years all of us in our travels have been stopped by many and asked “A Brignola?”  “Any relation to Dr. Brignola?” They would always proclaim:  “He is the doctor’s doctor”…” your father is an excellent diagnostician”, “He is a true gentleman”, “He is a remarkable man”,  “they  just don’t make doctors like him anymore. “

            Dad still found extra time to be involved in numerous medical societies and positions; FACP (Fellow of the American College of Physicians), FACCP (Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians); Pennsylvania Medical Society, American Society of Internal Medicine, Philadelphia County Medical Society.   In 1995 Hahnemann University awarded him for 50 years of medical practice. He was given Emeritus Professor status at Hahnemann Medical University.   Dad served as President of the Medical Staff at St. Agnes Hospital.  In 1996 after 44 years on staff he was given the St Agnes Achievement Award for Excellence and Dedicated Service.  Dad also enjoyed the professional and personal relationships he developed as a member of the Union League of Philadelphia for 44 years. 

            Dad’s retirement in 2003 was followed by a over a decade surrounded by his family and friends.  Most importantly dad had mom, Dolores by his side, as it is and ever shall be.  Missed but never forgotten. 

            Our father loved St. Matthias Church and would be humbled seeing it filled with family and friends.  Thank you for joining us today in faithful celebration of Michael Peter Brignola.  (Daad)