Michael F. Bregande

Michael Francis Bregande (1953 – 2025) left us on June 10, 2025, at the age of 71, with his wife by his side at Bryn Mawr Hospital, PA. Born on August 11, 1953, in Chester, PA, Michael was the cherished son of the late Marion A. and Laura (née Slezak) Bregande. He grew up in the Gradyville section of Edgmont Township and attended Archmere Academy in Claymont, DE, followed by Penncrest High School in Media, PA, where he graduated in the class of 1971.
Michael bravely faced an intense two-year battle with complications from Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). He was supported every step of the way by his doctors, wife, family, and friends. Before his passing, he received care from his oncologist in Pennsylvania and was later referred as a candidate for a clinical trial at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.
As a loving husband to Cynthia (née Emanuel) for 43 wonderful years, together they raised four incredible children. In 1989, they built their dream home in Gradyville, PA. He is survived by his children Matthew (Mandy), Mark, David (Cassidy), and Cara (Chip Zerr), as well as his siblings Michele, Denise (Glenn Fennemore), Andrea (Denny Faulk), Laurie (David Rodgers). He was also the brother of the late Dennis (Ruth). Michael was also a proud grandfather to Michael John, Stephen, Karleigh, and Briella Bregande, and Lillian Zerr.
Michael bought his first tractor soon after high school. This is when he started collecting abandoned cars to take to the crusher on Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia. He then began hauling box trucks to New York City. In 1978, Michael took a significant step by leasing his truck to Penn Tank Lines (PTL) where he began hauling petroleum products. This transition would be his career legacy as he went on to start his business Chester City Carriers, Inc. There he formed a fleet and stayed with PTL for an impressive 47 years. Michael's journey with PTL is a testament to his hard work, loyalty, and commitment to excellence.
Each morning, Michael prepared coffee for Cindy, always leaving a sweet note beside it reminding her of his love and appreciation. He had a zest for life and found happiness in its simple pleasures, such as relaxing on the porch or cheering at his grandchildren's sporting events, which he rarely missed. Spending time with family was something he deeply valued.
He enjoyed visiting his property in Towanda, PA, where he spent time fishing, camping, and skeet shooting with family and friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, attending various types of car races such as the Summernationals in Englishtown, NJ. He was always eager to lend a helping hand. When Michael saw someone, he greeted them with a warm smile, a cheerful hello, and genuinely wanted to know how they were doing.
Michael was a longtime parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Chester Heights, PA, where he attended grade school before moving on to Holy Child Academy in Drexel Hill, PA. A visitation will be held from 9 to 10:15 AM on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 430 Valleybrook Rd., Glen Mills, PA 19342. The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by burial in the adjoining church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial gifts to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (https://www.stjude.org/).
Thank you for keeping Michael in your thoughts and prayers.