Richard W. Brand D.D.S.

He was the son of the late Charles and Lucille (Fetzer) Brand and son-in-law of the late Joseph and Connie (DiMartino) Cuccia. Beloved husband of Marie Cuccia-Brand; beloved father of Rodger (Genevieve) Brand, and Holly Brand; beloved stepfather of Gina (Mike) Prokopeak and Rob (Emily) Liddy; dear grandfather of the late Brendan Brand, Michael Brand, Leah (Jesse) Pinkner, Mikey and Eva Prokopeak. Beloved brother of the late Charles, Jr. (and the late Jeanne) Brand; uncle, cousin and friend.

Richard was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and obtained his undergraduate and dental degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. He moved to St. Louis in 1965 when he began working as Assistant Professor in Anatomy at Washington University School of Dental Medicine. He later served as Assistant Dean for Students at SIU-Edwardsville; and Director of the Dental Hygiene program at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park before returning to the Wash. U Dental School until its closure in 1991. During his tenure at the Dental School, Richard was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award in 1979, the Dental Alumni Association Faculty Service Award in 1991, and the Dental Alumni Association President’s Award in 2007.

Upon the closing of the Dental School, Richard immediately moved to the position of Assistant Dean for Students and Professor of Anatomy at the Washington University School of Medicine full-time until 1999. While at the Medical School, Richard also taught Gross Anatomy for the Physical Therapy Program. The administration of the Physical Therapy Program honored him by creating the Richard W. Brand Award for individuals who are not physical therapists but who have made significant contributions to the profession. Upon his retirement, Richard was honored with the title, Professor Emeritus. Richard stayed on as a part-time faculty member at the WU Medical School and Engineering School until 2011.

In 1977, Richard, along with his colleague Don Isselhard, DDS, published the first edition of a dental textbook, Anatomy of Orofacial Structures. The ninth edition of the textbook is in production. The book remains in wide use today.

Throughout his career, Richard was known for his concern for his students and his desire to assist them in excelling in their chosen career paths, acting as a dedicated teacher, mentor and advisor. Both in his professional and personal life, Richard always stood up for what he felt was right and was willing to support anyone who needed his help.

Visitation at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street 63109, Friday, September 2, from 4pm until 8pm.

Funeral Mass at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 5130 Wilson Avenue, Saturday, September 3, at 10am with visitation at the church beginning at 9am. Interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul at St. Ambrose Church c/o St. Ambrose Church, 5130 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, or The Sick & Elderly Program of the Hill 2315 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 (http://sickandelderly.com).

Please leave a favorite memory of Richard for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.