Brian Thomas Guthrie

Brian Thomas Guthrie, 77, went to be with our Lord on September 26, 2023, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Elmer Thomas Guthrie and Marie Aman Guthrie. Brian was a 1965 graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1969 from Temple University and a Juris Doctor degree in 1973 from Temple University School of Law. Brian began the practice of law in the Philadelphia City Solicitor’s Office and spent most of his legal career specializing in insurance litigation for such firms as Cigna; Drinker Biddle & Reath; Stradley Ronon; Saul Ewing; and most recently at Mattioni, Ltd. in Philadelphia. In 2023, Brian marked his 50th year practicing law. Brian was a founding member of the Philadelphia Federalist Society and served as its president. In 1992, he had the honor of introducing President George H. W. Bush before the president’s address to the Federalist Society in Congress Hall at Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park. Brian was passionate about American history and was a founding member of the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. He also served on the board of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival for over 10 years. A historian of America’s game, Brian loved all things baseball. As an undergraduate, he played catcher for the Temple University baseball team. Years later, Brian enjoyed coaching each of his three sons in their community baseball leagues, and, of course, he was a lifelong and die-hard Phillies fan. Brian was also an avid golfer and had the good fortune to play at renowned courses such as Pinehurst, The Philadelphia Cricket Club, Charleston National, Sea Island, and Saint Andrews, to name a few. At the 2009 Masters, (between rounds of their famous pimento cheese sandwiches) Brian cheered on Gary Player for what would be the legendary golfer’s final Masters appearance. A devout Catholic, Brian was a humble servant at all the parishes to which he belonged, including Corpus Christi Parish in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Cape May, New Jersey and Saint Mary’s Parish in Rome, Georgia, where he served as a frequent lector and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Brian was a man of very strong faith who prayed daily, which gave him strength and peace, especially during his final days. Brian’s legacy will endure through his devoted wife of 52 years, the former Irene Margaret Kelly, and their four children: Lauren Guthrie Ledbetter (David) of Rome, Georgia; Todd Guthrie (Mary Ann) of Charlotte, North Carolina; Alexander Guthrie (Christina) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Graham Guthrie (Adair) of New York, New York, along with his seven beloved grandchildren: Henry “Lefty” Ledbetter, Molly Ledbetter, Campbell Ledbetter, Luke Sandquist, Anna Grace Guthrie, Beau Thomas Guthrie, and Oona Marie Guthrie, who just recently joined the family on August 10, 2023. Brian was dedicated to Irene and their children and grandchildren, and was loved, admired, and respected not only by his family but by the many friends he made throughout his storied and accomplished life. The Guthrie family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Behzad Pavri and Dr. David Axelrod for their compassionate care for Brian’s health over the years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial contribution to St. John’s Hospice (www.saintjohnshospice.org), a charitable organization dear to Brian’s heart. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. The family will receive friends from 9:45am until 11:00am, followed by Mass at Saint Francis Xavier Church at 2321 Green Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130. A graveside service will be held immediately following at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA. Dinan Funeral Home will facilitate the arrangements.

Brian Thomas Guthrie

September 1, 1946 - September 26, 2023

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Brian Thomas Guthrie

September 1, 1946 - September 26, 2023

About Us

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Grief & Healing

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Plan Ahead

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