David Mir

David Mir, age 92, of Millcreek Township, passed away peacefully at UPMC Hamot, on Sunday, November 6, 2016, after a brief illness. Born in Kermanshah, Iran, on November 5, 1924, he was the son of Bahan and Ameneh Mir.

David received both his Bachelor's Degree and Medical Degree from the University of Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was here that he met his wife, Andree, to whom he was married on September 30, 1954. Soon after, they boarded the Queen Mary bound for the U.S. and internship and residency opportunities in Erie, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo. His desire to specialize in reconstructive hand surgery led the family back to the University of Lausanne in 1960. In 1963, they returned to the U.S. and settled in Erie, where he began his illustrious career at Hamot Hospital as an orthopedic surgeon and practice at Orthopedic Associates of Erie.

The love of education and further studies was a lifelong pursuit. He attended the University of Pennsylvania for board certification. David was a member of the American Society for the Surgery of the Hand, Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He was also a member of the Eastern Orthopedic Association, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons. In addition, he was published in Contemporary Orthopaedics.

From 1960 until 1995, he served the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Orthopedic Clinic in Warren, Pa. He was honored and awarded a citation for his service at the Warren clinic. He also served in a similar capacity at the Bradford Clinic for Crippled Children. The Board of Governors of the Erie Unit of Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children gratefully acknowledged his 26 years of service in 1992.

In 1995, David received the Hamot Doctor of the Year award. His list of accomplishments were testimony to his talent and commitment. This award honored that, in the 1960s, he pioneered joint replacement of the hand at Hamot Hospital.

He loved gardening, woodworking, and especially spending time with his wife and family. His grandsons gave him additional pride and shared many happy memories with them. He enjoyed good conversations and sharing his sense of humor. He was a former member of the Erie Maennerchor Club, University Club, Aviation Club, Erie Club, and Kahkwa Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Andree Mir, two brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by his children, Mariam Mir, John Mir, Fabienne Mir, and Michele Bleggi (Chris), and three grandsons, Christopher, Ryan, and Drew Bleggi. In addition he is survived by a brother, two sisters and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all.

Friends are invited to call Wednesday, at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th Street, at Greengarden Blvd., from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and to attend a service there on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., officiated by the Rev. John Detisch. Private burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

The Mir family extends a special thanks to the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living and UPMC Hamot for their help, care, and concern for David during this time.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Erie Unit, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

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