The Children’s Dream Foundation is pleased to honor Monsignor John J. Brinn, Pastor Emeritus of St. Mary’s Parish in downtown Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Monsignor Brinn has served the greater Poughkeepsie community for forty seven years since arriving at the newly established parish of St. Martin de Porres in 1965. Monsignor Brinn has been chaplain for the Red Oaks Mill Fire Department, Croft Corners Fire Department, City of Poughkeepsie PBA, and Member of the Board of Directors of the Dutchess County YMCA. In addition to taking care of the spiritual and administrative needs of a diverse inner-city parish, he has been involved in setting up and ministering to a variety of programs for a newly arriving Latino population.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Monsignor Brinn was awarded a M.A. degree in Dogmatic Theology from St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, N.Y. and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New York by Cardinal Spellman on June 2nd,1962. He continues as Catholic Chaplain of the Dutchess County Jail and is actively involved in the life of St. Francis Hospital through his commitment to the Hospital’s work in emergency psychiatric and medical care and its Institutional Review Board.
The Children’s Dream Foundation is delighted to present this year’s Medical Service Award to pediatrician Dr. Peter Richel. Dr. Pete, as he is known by his patients, is the Chief, Department of Pediatrics, Northern Westchester Hospital, Mt. Kisco as well as NY Medical Director, Children’s School for Early Childhood Development, Hawthorne; NY Medical Director, Westchester Exceptional School, Purdys; Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics; and Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics Member. His honors include: NY Listed, Top Doctors, New York Metro Area – 2001 through 2011; Patient’s Choice Award – 2009 through 2011 Honored; and Compassionate Doctor Award – 2010, 2011. Dr. Pete also serves on the executive board of Westchester Health Associates, a new multi-specialty medical group in Northern Westchester County and is on the Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Club of Mt. Kisco, NY.
Dr. Pete is devoted to the medical care, education, and entertainment of his patients and their families. In 2008, Dr. Pete’s CD “Welcome to Dr. Pete’s Office”, a compilation of children sing-along-songs co-written and sung by Dr. Pete about being healthy, was considered for a Grammy in the Children’s Division.
Dr. Pete lives in Westchester County with his family.