By the Family

Jun. 3, 2015:  Anthony L. Brittis, MD, 92, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2015, in Bronxville, surrounded by his family. Born on February 1, 1923, in Yonkers, he was the oldest of five sons of Nicola and Maria Brittis. He, along with his four brothers, Nicholas, John, Dante, and Robert, grew up in Yonkers. They all later touched many lives in the health profession--four as physicians and one as a chemist and pharmacist. 

Dr. Brittis attended New York University on a full college scholarship and also attended medical school there, graduating from the New York University College of Medicine in 1948. A healer by nature, he sought the most effective, non-invasive ways to treat and rehabilitate patients. He was double board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and neurosurgery. Working closely with Dr. Howard Rusk, the founder of rehabilitation medicine, he saw many patients coming for rehabilitation after undergoing what he felt to be "unnecessary surgery." This experience motivated him to do a second residency in neurological surgery so that as a future surgeon he could better control unnecessary surgery that could likely lead to more harm than good. 

Dr. Brittis entered the US Army Medical Corps in 1948, serving his country in many leadership and diplomatic positions until his retirement in 1970 as a full colonel. During his military tenure, he established rehabilitation and neurosurgical centers for the treatment of the wounded from the Korean and Vietnam Wars and established the first neurosurgical capability at the Arab Legion Base Hospital in Amman, Jordan. He received many medals and commendations for his devoted service and exemplary performance of duty, including the Legion of Merit, the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the United Nations Service Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), the Korean Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. 

In 1971, Dr. Brittis returned to civilian life and practiced neurosurgery in Bronxville and Yonkers and the New York metropolitan area until his retirement in 2008. 

Dr. Brittis married the love and true partner of his life, Marianna Perry, on August 7, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas, when he was stationed at Brook Army Medical Center. They were married for over 60 years. He was a devoted father to his two children, Sarajane Brittis, PhD, and Perry Brittis, MD, PhD.

He was a man of integrity, deep Christian faith, and strong moral values, which made him a perfect, empathetic healer. In 1973, he received the Enrico Fermi Award for his accomplishments and community service. He was also a true renaissance man with a great appreciation for the arts, science, and history. Gifted artistically and scholastically, he played the trumpet and violin and was a great draftsman, sculptor, and artist. He will be most remembered for his gentle, kind, sweet disposition, warm spirit, and the true love he showed to his family and patients. 

Dr. Brittis is survived by his wife, children, brothers Dr. Dante and Robert Brittis and their wives, Dr. Nance Brittis and Mary Brittis, sister-in-law Catherine Brittis, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by his brothers Dr. Nicholas Brittis and Mr. John Brittis. 

Calling hours will be at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home in Bronxville on Wednesday, June 3, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Church on Thursday, June 4, at 10:45 am.