Steven F. Brena, MD Steve was born in Turin, Italy on February 28, 1921 and passed away on June 6, 2017 peacefully surrounded by his family and close friends. He was the son of Silvio Brena and Elena Brunero Brena. During WWII, Steve served in the Partisan Army of the National Liberation from Nazi occupation of Italy. He was proud of crossing the front lines to become an interpreter for the American Forces during the last days of the war. Steve graduated from medical school in Turin. After receiving his initial training in anesthesiology, he continued his studies at the University of Washington in Seattle. He immigrated to the United States in 1966 and became a U.S citizen in 1971. He specialized in Chronic Pain Management at the University of Washington and later at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Steve and his wife Bianca moved to Blairsville in 2006. He was a member of Self Realization Fellowship and a devotee of Paramahansa Yogananda and held weekly meditation groups in his home. He is known by many in this area for the lectures he gave on the Bhagavad Gita and meditation. He is preceded in death by his son Silvio Brena and his daughter Andreina (Sister Margaret Mary).

He is survived by his wife, Bianca Brena, his daughter Elena Frankovich and her husband Gerry of Reno, NV, his son Carlo Brena and his wife Noelle of Midland,GA, his foster daughter Rasamy Yin and her husband Samsak of Duluth, GA, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and by his meditation group family.

A memorial service was held at Mountain View Funeral Home on June 7, 2017. In lieu of flowers Steve has asked for donations to the Hiawassee Meditation Circle at PO Box 2915 , Blairsville, GA 30514 Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com