Dr. Brian J. Moran, 64, died peacefully at his Hinsdale home on Oct. 13, 2024.
He was born in 1960 to Dr. George and Nancy Moran, and was the seventh of nine children. Brian was born and raised and lived his entire life in Hinsdale.
Brian said recently that "dying isn't so bad as long as you have the time to do it". That comment captures Brian's fearless spirit and attitude on life. He wasn't afraid of anything and got the most out of everything he did, including the process of passing from this world.
Brian loved his family, his friends, his patients, his community and his country, making sure his American flag was flown every day in the front of his house.
He had the loving support of two hard-working parents who provided for their kids, educated them, taught them the importance of faith, and tried to keep them out of trouble, which was no easy task, especially with Brian.
Brian attended Hinsdale Central High School and Illinois Benedictine College, but his education was interrupted junior year in high school so he could battle his first bout with cancer, a two-year experience that inspired him to become a doctor.
He completed college and obtained an MD degree from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. He completed his residency in radiation oncology at Loyola-Hines University Medical Center in Maywood. Brian became a revered specialist in the treatment of prostate cancer. He founded the Chicago Prostate Center in Westmont and combined cutting-edge research with his clinical practice. He was given many accolades for his work in the area of brachytherapy for prostate cancer. He became an international expert in this field.
He built the Chicago Prostate Center into a world-class treatment center. Brian was extremely devoted and grateful to his wonderful staff and colleagues. Over a span of 30 years, Brian treated thousands of cancer patients.
During medical school, Brian fell in love with Betsy and the two were married in 1986. They were fortunate to have four amazing children. Brian was a loving husband, father and beloved "Potts" to his grandchildren.
He was an avid race car fan, highlighted by attending the Indianapolis 500 for 56 of the last 57 years. The only year he missed was 2023 when he had to have emergency surgery, which marked the start of his second major battle with cancer.
Brian, supported by Betsy's unbelievable devotion and medical care, battled this second round of cancer like a champ. Between treatments he made trips to his farm, Florida, Maine and Wyoming. This past July, despite being quite fragile, Brian took his entire family to Disney World. He insisted on going every ride with his grandchildren, including Space Mountain.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betsy" Moran, nee Keenan; his children, Katherine, Jack, Christopher (fiancé Maura Stelpflug) and Nora Moran; his grandchildren, Hannifin, Elizabeth and Royal Arquilla; his siblings, Dr. Michael (Kathleen), Dr. George (Linda), Dr. Mary Moran (Bruce Haffner), Catherine Moran, Claire (Bert) Schafer, R.N., Paul (Brenda) and Ann (the late John) Lowry; his mother-in-law, Nancy Keenan; his siblings-in-law, Dr. William Brooks III (Dr. Denise) Keenan, Trish (Patrick) Kinsella, Dan (Tracey) Keenan, Tom (Danielle) Keenan and Nora (Robert) Tonn; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. George G. "Duke" and Ann Marie "Nancy" Moran, nee Hannifin; his brother, Thomas Moran; and his father-in-law, William Brooks Keenan.
Family and friends will meet for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass today, Oct. 17, at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 306 W. Fourth St., Hinsdale.
Interment is at Bronswood Cemetery in Oak Brook, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made online to the Chicago Prostate Foundation at https://chicagoprostatefoundation.org/how-to-help/donate-online.
Sullivan Funeral Home in Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
