[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3077-H3078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING DR. PAUL BRADLEY BRECHTELSBAUER

  (Mr. MURPHY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the

[[Page H3078]]

life and legacy of my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Paul Bradley 
``Brad'' Brechtelsbauer, who passed away on April 15 after a courageous 
battle with lung cancer.
  I had the distinct privilege of knowing Brad for more than 40 years. 
We went to college and medical school together and later practiced 
medicine side by side in eastern North Carolina.
  From the very beginning, he was the kind of man you were proud to 
call a friend. He was steady, humble, and deeply committed to others.
  Brad was a gifted physician, accomplished musician of many 
instruments, and, most of all, a trusted and beloved friend.
  For nearly three decades in Greenville, he cared for patients as an 
ENT doctor, becoming a regional leader in cochlear implantation, giving 
many the gift of hearing their very first words.
  Brad also gave back through teaching and service, shaping future 
physicians in eastern North Carolina at East Carolina University's 
School of Medicine and contributing to the broader medical community 
with distinction.
  Beyond his accomplishments, he will be remembered most for being the 
great person that he was.
  Though he literally towered over other people at 6'9'', he was known 
as a gentle giant--kind, compassionate, and beloved by his patients, 
colleagues, and all who knew him.
  I recall the phone call when I first spoke with him about his lung 
cancer diagnosis. Even in the face of a very daunting illness, he 
showed remarkable courage, compassion, and grace.
  Brad spent the last few years of his life on his beloved farm, riding 
his tractor, tinkering with equipment, and playing in his cherished 
musical group.
  Mr. Speaker, along with many in our medical community, I will miss 
Brad dearly. May God grant comfort and peace to his family in this 
difficult time.

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