Dennis Everett Brunskill MD

Dennis Everett Brunskill, M.D., known as "Den" to family and "Doctor B" to friends and colleagues, passed away at the age of 77 on April 21, 2024, at home in Venetia, Pennsylvania with his loving family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Brunskill. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy L.; son, Robert; sister, Nancy J. Munson; and brother, William.
He was born in 1947 in Champaign, Illinois and raised on a farm in Milford Center, Ohio. He graduated as valedictorian of Fairbanks High School in 1964. Graduated from Ohio State University with two degrees; Batchelor of Science in 1968 and a Doctor of Medicine in 1972. He trained at Mercy Hospital, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, starting with an internship and progressing to Chief Medical Resident in 1974.
He pursued a fellowship at the University of Miami School of Medicine at Jackson Memorial and VA Hospital in Miami, Florida in Hematology and Oncology. While at the University of Miami he was involved in research for autoimmune hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic malabsorption syndrome, and granulocytopenia in breast cancer, and his work was published in the American Journal of Medicine. He received his Board Certification in both Oncology and Hematology in 1980 while in Florida.
He moved back to Pittsburgh and joined the Oncology/Hematology group of Meta/Hilberg. The practice had hospital affiliations with UPMC McKeesport Hospital, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, and Ohio Valley Hospital. In addition to treating patients, he also taught Oncology/Hematology to interns and residents, and was on the Mercy Cancer board in 1994.
He became board certified in hospice and palliative care, the Medical Director for Family Hospice and Palliative Care (now part of UPMC), and was honored for his many years of service at their annual "Toast of Life" in 2002. Before retiring in 2012 he joined the West Penn Hematology/Oncology Group for two years.
Dr. Brunskill was a member of the Allegheny County Medical Society, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Pennsylvania State Medical, Society, American Society of Hematology, Pennsylvania Oncology Society, and American Academy of Hospice & Palliative Physicians.
When not absorbed in his practice he pursued a love of photography. While in school, he turned his bathroom into a dark room to develop his photos. With the digital age he learned photo manipulation and digital imagery. He also enjoyed playing video games. When asked how retirement was, he liked to say, "I have to admit, retirement just isn't working."
He was a voracious reader of science fiction books. His favorite place to spend summer was at a log cabin built in the 1930s in Deep Creek, Maryland, and boating on the lake. He loved being outdoors and watching birds. Most of all, he enjoyed and loved his family and friends.
Dr. Brunskill's compassion, expertise, and tremendous sense of humor contributed and added dimension to those who knew him. His clinical skills made him an outstanding physician and teacher but it was his caring heart that set him apart. Wherever he was, he had a positive impact, and the world is better for him having been with us. May his wisdom, strength, kindness, and caring be continued within all who knew him. We will miss him dearly.
A viewing will be held at the Beinhauer Peters Township Funeral Home on Thursday, April 25th from 4pm to 7pm, followed by a brief service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to:
• The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society (https://givenow.lls.org),
• Family Hospice (https://www.upmc.com/services/home-health-care/hospice/locations/southwest-pa/family-hospice-west/supporting-patients-families),
• Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/saccb),
• or the National Audubon Society (https://act.audubon.org/a/memorial-gift).