Dr. Thomas Henry Birney, D.D.S.

Dr. Thomas Henry Birney D.D.S., loving and devoted father, passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Ana, California at 90 years of age on December 2, 2022. Thomas was born and raised in Torrington, CT, and went to the University of Southern California for undergraduate studies. He subsequently attended the University of Maryland Dental school as did his father, Dr. William J. Birney. He then attended the University of Southern Califorina to become an Oral Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Dentistry. Thereafter, he moved to Southern California where he practiced Oral Surgery for 40 years as well as serving his country as a Lieutenant and Dentist in the United States Navy. Additionally, Thomas became a Clinical Faculty member at the USC School of Dentistry where he worked throughout his lifetime. His love for the USC and his Oral Surgery colleagues was paramount during his life.

In 1963, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sandra Ann Ruwet from Torrington, CT. Sandra passed away early, and Thomas devoted himself as a single father to his three daughters: Lauren, Cristin and Kathleen.   His spirit and love will carry on with all those he touched during his lifetime. His talents as an Oral Surgeon, dedication to USC School of Dentistry, inimitable sense of humility, empathy and compassion for his patients and family are respected by all. He lived an extraordinary life with a love for tennis, travel and spending time with his family. He is survived by his three daughters, sons-in-law David Merrill and Todd Stimmel, grandson Roman Thomas Merrill, beloved brother Robert J. Birney, wife Patty Birney, and nephews Thomas, Matthew, sister in law, Barbara Birney wife of his late brother, the Honorable William J. Birney, sons William Birney and Mark Birney and his loving Italian cousins Vittorio Ossola and Fabio Ossola. He is admired, cherished and venerated by all those he encountered.

A remembrance Mass will take place on Monday, December 12th, 2022 at 11:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Pasadena CA; 1501 Fremont Avenue South Pasadena, CA 91030 with a luncheon reception to follow at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena,  CA; 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106. His interment will be held on Friday, December 16th at 1:00 PM at the New Saint Francis Cemetery in Torrington, CT.