Obituary of Donn Joseph Brascho, MD

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donn Joseph Brascho, M.D., a cherished father, grandfather, and friend who left us on January 1, 2025. Born on January 9, 1933, in Syracuse, New York, he lived a life brimming with love, remarkable achievements, joy, and treasured memories. Donn 'Doc' Brascho was a man of integrity and kindness, and his unwavering dedication to his family always shone through. His warm smile and genuine spirit uplifted many lives. As a teacher and caregiver, his grace, commitment, and patience inspired those around him. He was a beacon of guidance and solace to countless friends facing medical challenges, ensuring each person felt valued—a true reflection of his love and warmth. Yet, his spirit truly shone when he stepped onto a basketball court or a ballfield, revealing a different side of his vibrant personality. Donn Brascho graduated cum laude from Hobart College in New York, where he played football, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. He received his medical degree from The State University of New York at Syracuse in 1958. He interned at Fitzsimons General Army Hospital and completed a residency in General Radiology at Brooke General Army Hospital in San Antonio in 1962. As a general radiologist in the military, he served with distinction, including a pivotal tour in Korea as the Radiology Consultant to the 8th Army Command. From 1962 to 1966, Dr. Brascho made his mark in Radiology and Radiation Oncology in the Army Medical Corps. After completing his military service, Dr. Brascho joined the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. There, he led the Radiation Oncology Residency Program and was the Principal Investigator of the NCI Cancer Education Grant. The programs thrived under his leadership. Dr. Brascho was a true pioneer in the field of medicine. He was the first radiation oncologist to adopt Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology for three-dimensional radiation treatment planning, a groundbreaking initiative that preceded the advent of CT scanning. His legacy of innovation includes co-authoring the book 'Abdominal Ultrasound in the Cancer Patient,' contributing to six medical volumes, publishing thirty-three papers in peer-reviewed journals, and delivering 119 invited lectures at major scientific gatherings across the United States and Europe. His fellowships from the American College of Radiology, the American College of Radiation Oncology, and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine further testify to his significant contributions to the field. In 1987, Dr. Brascho transitioned to private practice, channeling his wealth of experience and innovation into the design and success of the Gadsden Regional Cancer Center. Under his guidance, the center became a beacon of hope for many in the community, delivering exceptional cancer treatment. In 1999, Dr. Brascho continued his leadership and innovative methods by building another successful practice as Director of Radiation Oncology at the Marshall Medical Center in Boaz, AL., until September 2006. Upon retiring from full-time practice, he provided locum tenens coverage in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Over the next 11 years, Dr. Brascho provided oncology services in 32 Radiation Oncology departments. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Donn Brascho received a prestigious Honorary Membership to the American Association of Physicists in Medicine in 2008 for his 'Contributions in Radiation Treatment Planning.' He joined a select group of 15 honorary members of AAPM, including Nobel Laureates, inventors, and pioneers in radiotherapy. He was recognized for his over twenty years of service to Practical Reviews in Cancer Management, and in 1995, he received the American Cancer Society Annual National Divisional Award. He also received the Medical Association of the State of Alabama Award of Distinction for 50 Years in the Practice of Medicine and recognition from The Best Doctors in America. Donn Brascho, M.D., is recognized as a "Historical Leader in the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology." Despite the rapid growth of UAB, Dr. Brascho remained committed to his community. Every morning, he would stop at St. Clair County Hospital to read X-rays before heading to UAB for a full workday. Afterward, he would return to St. Clair to read X-rays again before going home or to a ballfield to meet his kids at the ballfields, serving as a youth sports coach and leader. He positively impacted young people, guiding them to championships and a sense of achievement. If he wasn't at the ballfield, he taught kids to ski or took friends on boat rides on Logan Martin. His devotion to the community was unwavering, and his influence will resonate for years. In 1982, he felt a real need for better representation of the American Cancer Society in his community. Thus, he and his wife established the St. Clair Unit. His involvement extended to Pell City First United Methodist Church, and he also played a crucial role in the growth of the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association as its President. Dr. Brascho received the non-Rotarian Rotary District 6860 "Vocational Service Award," recognizing his life and work embodying the Rotary Ideal of "Service Above Self." His life inspired the creation of this prestigious award. He is survived by his children: Brock Brascho (Pam), Jace Brascho (Jo), Brad Brascho (Cherry), Kent Brascho (Irene), Jill Rutledge (Fred), and Joy Steed (Gary); his grandchildren: Joseph Brascho (Lauren), Andrea Brascho Lynch (Chad), Alexandra Brascho Spickard (Paul), Brooke Brascho, Matthew Brascho, Marlee Johnson, Max Johnson, Jonathon Ferrell (Teresa), Andrew Pate (Kim), Lauren Steed, Garrett Steed, Blake Steed, and Grant Steed, Gaynon Woolwine; his great-grandchildren: Jace and Olivia Brascho, Kalista, Emily, and Chloe Ferrell, Oaklee Pate, and Ethan Lynch; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Don and Audrey Young; his nephew and nieces: Heather Young, Tracy Young Stack, Darren Hansen, and Hilary Hansen. Donn was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, June Brascho; his parents, Joseph and Hazelle Brascho; his sister and brother in law, Judy and Harold Hansen; and his nephew, Matthew Young. Rest in peace, dear Doc. Your family and friends will profoundly miss and remember you with love. Donn's life will be celebrated on Sunday, January 19, 2025, beginning with visitation and celebration from 1:00 to 2:45 PM in The Beacon of First Methodist Church Pell City. The memorial service will start at 3:00 PM in the sanctuary, followed by a private interment at Valley Hill Cemetery. In place of flowers, donations may be made to Pell City FUMC, The American Cancer Society, and Lakeside Hospice, Pell City, Alabama. Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. The family has entrusted Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City with the arrangements.