When you reach 100 years of age, having one day dedicated to you just isn't enough. That's why Coraopolis Mayor John Haberland has named this entire week in honor of Dr. Frank R. Braden Jr.

Dr. Braden's birthday is Friday, but his party, to which his legion of friends and admirers are invited, is from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at 1000 Fifth Ave., Coraopolis.

It had to be on the weekend because Dr. Braden hasn't retired. The family-practice doctor sees patients in the office attached to his house, the one he grew up in, the one where his father, Dr. Frank R. Braden Sr., also treated patients. Doc Braden the Younger, who took over the office when his father retired, says he'll retire when his youngest child does.

He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1933, completed his internship at Allegheny General Hospital in 1934 and joined his father's practice in 1935. He has been practicing medicine for 75 years, 35 of them on staff at Sewickley Valley Hospital. He also spent many years as a doctor for Coraopolis, Neville Island and Moon public schools.

In 1936, he married his longtime love, the former Mildred McCormick, whom he courted for 13 years. They had three children: Frank Braden III of Palm Bay, Fla.; Cynthia Spohn of Gowen, Mich.; and Pamela Braden of Coraopolis, with whom he lives. He also has five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Dr. Braden served in World War II from 1941-46 in a medical regiment, an infantry battalion, a tank destroyer battalion, an engineer combat group and the combat command reserve of the Eighth Armored Division.

He loves reading, genealogy and history (he's the town's unofficial historian). He is also a photographer and "techie" who's not afraid to try the latest gadget.

First Published: March 24, 2009, 8:00 a.m.