Dr. John C. Brisini

Brisini, Dr. John C., 96, passed away on August 8, 2019. He was born June 4, 1923 in Lilly, Pa., the youngest child of Camillo and Maria (Defante) Brisini, with eight older siblings. He was preceded in death by parents and brothers Nicholas, Dr. Patrick, Dr. Samuel , Lawrence, infant brother Anthony and sisters Natalie and Teresa. He is survived by sister Frances Cardillo. He had lost his beloved wife of 64 years, Jeane Price in 2014. The family that they had together remain; children Nicholas, Joseph (Jill) and Mary (Perry). Grandchildren Isaac (Denell), Jon, Joshua and Carly (Frank), John Gabriel, Michael and Anthony. He has eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. The Brisini family were first generation Americans with a very progressive father who encouraged further education. After graduating from Lilly High School John went to St. Vincent College. When World War II began he was enlisted in the Navy and was sent to study at various institutions; Notre Dame and Villanova. He was able to continue to pursue his love of football playing at Villanova and then Case Western Reserve where he received a Doctorate of Dental Science. Being very family oriented and wanting to be near his parents and siblings he and Jeane returned to the area to begin their life. “Doc” always wanted to give back and care for those who were less fortunate. During his tenure as a dentist he was employed by Ebensburg Center, Laurel Crest Manor and The Cambria County Prison. In private practice he was often paid with home-made bread and garden vegetables.He had many friends from all walks of life because his interests were so varied. He loved animals, especially horses and always had a barn full of beauties. He was known for owning the first Quarter Horse in the area. Much of his time was spent in his barn and he always said that is where he felt closest to God. He had devised a stereo system that played through the barn, favorites were either cowboy songs, Frank Sinatra and on Sunday mornings, polkas. His interests and friends kept him busy. He never missed a local sporting event, especially when cheering on his kids and grandkids. Every Weekend he could be found competing at Horse Shows, was a founding member of the Central PA Horsemens association and continued to ride into his eighties. He would reminisce about eating lunch every day with his political and professional colleagues and sadly realized not long ago all had passed away. An avid reader he never went to bed without reading for an hour and continues to have an extensive library. His friends gave him credit for knowing everything about the Civil War and history. He also read political publications and would throw in an occasional cowboy book. “Doc” accomplished much in his life and he remained humble. But nothing gave him as much pride and joy as his grandchildren and their accomplishments. He never missed a game, a concert or anything that they were involved in. He wanted to be a confidante to them and someone to share his wisdom with them. They were his life and his joy and nothing made him happier than seeing them happy. He will continue to live on in each of them as they have all inherited his fine qualities and he has left a legacy within each. He was our “Rock”, we will miss him tremendously but are consoled knowing that he is now with his wife, siblings and lost friends, doing everything that he loved. A funeral Mass and Memorial Service will be held Tuesday morning at 10:00 Am. at Holy Family Parish, Caldwell Ave., Portage, Father Tom Stabile, TOR, celebrant, with lunch to follow at the Parkway Restaurant, Portage. Committal will be in St. Brigids Cemetery, Lilly. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Grammys Fund in care of Ameriserv Bank. This was a fund that was established in 2014 to celebrate Jeanes memory and has been maintained. It purchases Christmas presents for children in need. The Serenko-Claar Funeral Home, PC, Portage is serving the Brisini Family. Online condolences may be at serenkoclaarfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. John C. Brisini, please visit our floral store.