Dr. McBride maintained his office on the grounds of what is now Crozer-Chester Medical Center from the 1950s and was chief of medicine at the former Sacred Heart Hospital in Chester from 1959 to 1973.
In 1968, his wife said, he and Chester Mayor James Gorbey had a life-changing series of conversations that resulted in Dr. McBride’s serving as president of the Chester Board of Health.
“Tom and Jim were very close,” she said. “It was just a matter of sitting down and talking. Both were very interested in Chester,” and the mayor “wondered if it could be done.”
The original offer was that Dr. McBride become the city’s health officer, but Dr. McBride recommended that the city establish a board of health and a health department.
Dr. McBride headed the board, his wife said, even “while in private practice. It was a rough road, but he loved it.”
Besides his wife, Dr. McBride is survived by sons Christopher, Mark, Michael and Thomas J. Jr.; a daughter, Mary; and four grandchildren.
A visitation was set from 9 to 9:50 a.m. Tuesday, May 1, at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 30 E. Franklin St., Media, before a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass there. Interment is to be private.
Contact Walter F. Naedele at 215-854-5607 or wnaedele@phillynews.com.
