Dr. Gerald S. Browdie
December 20, 2019

Gerald Samson Browdie, on Friday, December 20, 2019, a dentist whose career-long commitment to the health and well-being of children earned him smiles from fans of all ages, died on Friday at his home in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. He was 88. Dr. Browdie, who grew up in Pittsburgh, was recognized not only as a clinician but also as an advocate for public health. His founding of a family dental center at Westmoreland Regional Hospital in Greensburg to provide care to children from families on medical assistance earned him recognition across both the region and his profession. For 30 years beginning in 1972, Dr. Browdie divided his time between a dental practice in Greensburg and the dental center, which under his direction expanded from treating 150 patients in its first year of operation to more than 25,000 annually. “Low-income parents can’t afford to take their children to the dentist,” Dr. Browdie told the Tribune-Review in 2002. “This is a serious problem in this country.” Generations of patients credited Dr. Browdie’s gentleness with easing their fears of visiting the dentist. Advocacy by Dr. Browdie helped to secure funding for the dental center from the federal Head Start program, the AFL-CIO’s national poverty fighting branch, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Westmoreland County, and Westmoreland Regional Hospital, among others. The hospital later received a federal grant to open a second clinic in Waynesburg. In 1973, Dr. Browdie led the establishment of a separate department of dentistry at Westmoreland Hospital, where he served as a director of the hospital’s foundation. He was named to the American College of Dentists in 1984.  Dr. Browdie received his undergraduate and dental degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and did his residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Rochester’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health. A lifelong fan of sports, Dr. Browdie played varsity basketball for Fifth Avenue High School. He later served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s infantry division at Fort Benning. Dr. Browdie is survived by his wife Lois; his son Brian; a daughter Stacy; his son-in-law Dan Cohen; a daughter-in-law Krista Dong; three grandchildren, Andrew, Maddie, and Josh; and his brother Leonard of Squirrel Hill. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Sunday at 2 PM. Visitation one hour prior to services (1 - 2 PM). Interment Beth Abraham Cemetery. Donations in memory of Dr. Browdie may be sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 501 Martindale Street, Suite 670, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

Condolences

Our deepest sympathies. Tila and Paul Cohen

What can I say about an over 50 year relationship and so many memories. Countless hours talking about deep spiritual things, the nature of God and His relationship with mankind. Endless conversations about every sport imaginable. Much sharing about the challenges of parenthood, both the trials and accomplishments of our children. Pediatric dentistry was only a small part of what we shared, it was a pleasure to walk through life with him. We talked about everything and none of it was superficial. He was not a shallow person. Most revealing what is how compassionate and caring he was toward me when I lost my dear wife, Gail, three years ago. It meant so much to me. Finally, to Lois, Stacy, Brian, Dan, Andrew, Maddie, and Josh there’s going to be a huge hole in your heart for a while, maybe quite a while, but gradually that hole is going to get filled with many happy memories and you have a storehouse full of them to stock it. Cherish those friends that will walk this journey with you, sometimes say nothing ,sometimes just sit with you. Also be assured that God walks this journey with you also and will help you contemplate what is a meaningful life and meaning there is to life That’s what will get you through Love and prayers Barry

We were very sad when told about Jerry's passing. Fond memories will remain with us as they remain with you. Our deepest sympathy to his family and many friend who will miss him.

Lew and I were so saddened to hear of Gerry's passing. He was such a wonderful father, grandfather, partner, and physician. There could be no better role model, as evidenced by his extraordinary family. We are honored to have known him.

Our deepest sympathy to Lois and family of our good friend Gerry Browdie. Many wonderful memories of our years working together at Westmoreland Hospital. Gerry was a pleasure to be with and always had a kind word for everyone. May his memory be eternal.

I was saddened to hear of Dr. Browdie's passing. He was a great boss and enjoyed working for him. Please accept our condolences and prayers for your family at this difficult time.