Obituary of Dante Anthony Brittis Sr.

Dr Dante Anthony Brittis, Sr., passed away peacefully on 2/21/2024 in Florida. He was born July 28, 1928, in Yonkers, New York, to Italian immigrant parents Nicola and Maria Corrado Brittis. Dante was the cherished fourth of five brothers who grew up in the Park Hil section of Yonkers. Shortly after his birth, the family was greeted by a severe economic depression. Difficult years followed, which fostered a strong work ethic among the brothers. Loyalty, education, and honesty were the fabric of the family. Dante attended Yonkers public schools, graduating from Yonkers High School in 1946. He then enlisted in the US Army and served in Korea. Always a gambler, on the troop transport Dante and his friend Larkin dominated the trans-pacific poker game. They slept, standing up back to back to protect their winnings. Returning to the States, he attended New York University and graduated from the University of Bologna Medical School in 1957. He completed a residency in pediatrics at Jacobi Hospital (Albert Einstein). During his residency, he met and married the love of his life, Dr. Nance Brittis. For nearly four decades, Dante and Nance (along with brother Bob) dedicated themselves to pediatric medicine in Yonkers, primarily at St. John's Riverside Hospital. They were known for their unwavering commitment to their patients and families, embodying the true essence of compassionate doctoring. Dante was an old-school doctor. He answered the phone directly, made house calls, and knew all the important details of his patient's lives (including their phone numbers). Many, even today, comment that he was "their favorite doctor." Dante was the best of friends to many throughout his life. His golfing buddies, Libo, Mike, and Vinny challenged the links at Knollwood together. The laughs certainly outnumbered the pars. Frank D., his neighbor as a child and adult, was his lifelong confidant. They shared many a glass of wine. Dante had a special relationship with all of his brothers. While they occasionally "disagreed," they loved and looked after one another for their entire lives. Bob, his partner in pediatrics, was his special sibling. Dante had a most special marriage. His love for Nance knew no bounds. They worked and played side by side. Dante loved to garden with Nance. They traveled together and vacationed in Springs, Long Island. Later, they were great golf buddies. They were the essential couple. She passed six years ago though he never stopped speaking to her. Wherever they lived, they built a community of deep friendships and connections. While practicing in Yonkers, the family resided in a House Office on Shonnard Place. They were active parishioners at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in North Yonkers. After retirement Dante and Nance moved to Somers, New York, and eventually full-time to Singer Island, Florida. Dante often spoke fondly of his close-knit community at "3640," where poolside get-togethers, shared meals, and impromptu celebrations created a loving environment he cherished. Dante is survived by a son, Dante A. Brittis, MD, and two special grandchildren, Dante and Christina Marie. His affectionate names for them, "Chris and Dantucho," will live on. He was predeceased by brothers Anthony Brittis, MD; Nicholas Brittis, MD; and John Brittis. He is survived by Robert Brittis, MD, and his special wife Mary, as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom he had the greatest love for. Dante's life will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on April 13, 2024. Donations can be made to Saint Jude's Research Hospital in Dante's honor instead of flowers. Dante's kindness, compassion, and unwavering love will forever be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.