Dr. Thomas Joseph Braciale Jr.

Thomas J. Braciale Jr. was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 22, 1946 to Thomas and Rose (née Pascale) Braciale, both first generation Italian-Americans. He contributed to the income of his family starting at a young age with a paper route and later as a grocery store bag clerk. In eighth grade he won a scholarship to study at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School. He went on to win a scholarship to St. Joseph’s University (formerly St. Joseph’s College) and was the first person in his family to earn a college degree. He went on to earn an MD and PhD in Microbiology from the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship at John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University. He began his career at Washington University in St. Louis, MO before joining the faculty at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA in 1991.

Tom was a Professor of Pathology in the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia for over thirty years and the inaugural Director of the Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research at the University. His work in the field of Immunology includes contributions to an understanding of T cells, dendritic cells and respiratory immunity. He was an esteemed colleague and a dedicated mentor to his students. He was immensely proud of the scientists who trained with him. He dedicated his life to understanding the key mechanisms of the human immune system; asking and answering questions that expanded the field of knowledge. He loved basic science research and was continuously funded in his research for over 30 years.

Tom was a man of numerous and eclectic interests. He loved opera, traveling to Richmond and Washington DC for performances. He was a fantastic cook and adventurous eater who loved exploring cuisines from all over the world. He was an avid traveler who delighted in learning from other cultures. He loved plants and gardening and would routinely grow exotic fruit plants from their seeds. He was a great conversationalist with a well-developed sense of humor. He was an even better listener and was the source of sound advice and a sympathetic ear for innumerable people.

Tom was, above all things, a loving father and grandfather, brother, son and friend. He is survived by his children Kara (Bharath) Nath of Falls Church, VA; Michael (Lindsey) Braciale of Charlotte, NC and Laura (Karl d. 2019) Schneider of Manchester, NH and his beloved grandchildren: Pia, Asha and Rishi Nath; Mira Braciale; Ezra, Zoey and Jesse Schneider and his sisters: Barbara Braciale of Phila., PA, Mary Jane (Jack) O’Brien of Zionsville, IN and Yael (Mark) Shayne of Great Neck, NY.

In honor of Tom’s legacy, we will establish the Thomas J. Braciale Scholarship at the University of Virginia. This fund will provide support for aspiring students pursuing careers in the biological sciences who, like Tom, were the first in their families to attend college. This scholarship will be a testament to Tom’s passion for education and research. The funds raised will be exclusively utilized to continue nurturing the scholarly pursuit and research passion that he valued so highly.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the Thomas J. Braciale Bicentennial Scholars Fund at the University of Virginia. To learn more go to: thomasjbraciale.org