In Memory of Dr. Alan N. Bress
Thank you for visiting this page dedicated to the memory of our father, Dr. Alan N. Bress, who died on January 31, 2021, at the age of 86. If you are visiting this page you no doubt have a connection to our father and/or family, so much of what appears here will not be new – but still, we wanted to share our thoughts.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he was a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School, Washington & Jefferson College, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He took his residency (and was chief resident) in internal medicine at Montefiore Hospital, and trained in oncology as a Fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering before returning to Pittsburgh where he was an early pioneer, teacher, and leader in the practice of oncology for 50-plus years, much of it in partnership with his brother James who survives him. He was known equally for his clinical brilliance and for the humanity - the respect, the candor, the kindness, and the good humor—with which he treated his patients and their families.
He and mom (Jane Goldsmith Bress) were married for 64 years and created a loving home that our friends gravitated towards because of the warmth they radiated. They remained together in Florida where they moved a year ago. Mom misses him terribly but is comforted that he is not in pain, as are we.
Despite his monumental professional accomplishments, he counted his children as his greatest accomplishment, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as his greatest joy. Dad (Papa) was an extraordinary father and magical grandfather, and his passing has left a hole in our hearts. We, along with our spouses Jerry, Debbie and David, cannot imagine a world without his physical presence and booming voice asking how we are or wanting details about his grandkids.
Dad was extremely proud of his fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, so it seemed natural that we "pass it forward" and create a fund that will provide another doctor the same opportunity. Any gift is truly appreciated.
We love and miss you dad.
Kathy, Rick and Karen
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