Donald Edward Pichler

Dr. Donald Edward Pichler, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and dedicated physician, passed away on July 20, 2026, at the age of 86. His journey, beginning on February 8,1940 in New York, NY, led him through two separate military branches, multiple graduate degrees, countless achievements, and the opening of a primary care office that still thrives today. He will be remembered today not only for the milestones he surpassed throughout his life, but also for his unwavering commitment to his patients, family, and community.

A graduate of Manhattan College, Dr. Pichler began service as a ROTC cadet, eventually earning commission as Second Lieutenant in 1961 and continuing as a nuclear research officer and pilot at Kirtland Air Force Base. During the remainder of his almost decade long Air Force service, he was also able to complete his Master of Science in Chemistry at Villanova University in 1963, followed by a Ph.D. in both Chemistry and Family Medicine at the University of New Mexico.

Dr. Pichler's yearn to serve closer to home was made a reality through opening his own family medicine practice in 1975. His long-standing family practice became known for strong patient advocacy and a heart-felt, no-nonsense approach to medicine. Despite the measurable achievements he had reached at this point, Dr. Pichler's desire to experience all life had to offer led him back to the military in 1985 as a Navy Reserve Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Corps. He endured and adored the challenge of balancing life as a family medicine doctor and active participant in the Medical Corps until his retirement from the Reserve in 2003 at the rank of Captain. His dedication and extraordinary work ethic over his years inside and outside of the military earned him several awards recognizing his contributions to both military and civilian medicine, all of which he humbly addressed as a blueprint for his family practice and patient care.

Regardless of the accomplishments, status, and titles he gained throughout his career, he remained a humble man with a heart of gold- Don. Don, who was known for loving his patients, staff, and family alike. His compassion and exceptional dedication are two of many things he passed onto his cherished staff throughout the years. This incredible staff, that he more truthfully addressed as family, will now continue his legacy of compassionate care and exceptional service to ensure his life-long work continues to flourish as he built it to do. The other piece of his unwavering spirit belonged to those who were at the heart of Donald's life- his wife, children, nieces, and nephews. He loved receiving letters in the mail, joining video calls, and visiting with each of his family members, treasuring every word that was shared. Whether it was long conversations about life, hopes, and dreams with his great-nephew Braydon, or silly pictures of his granddaughter Amber's cat Bruno, or visits with his great nieces Lilia and Gredel, who always spoiled him with extra love and care while sharing songs and dancing for him, He loved spending time with his stepdaughter Marissa, talking about school, life, and telling wonderful stories all while she watched over him. He loved spending time with his stepson Jake the Snake (Jakey) talking about wrestling, sports, and his time as a teacher and the University of Albuquerque, or talking to his stepson Vince about his service in the guard, or talking with his stepdaughter Vanessa about being a Lobo just like him, after talking with the kids he would always end the conversions by saying, now I can sit back and pop my buttons and watch you shine, he always held room in his heart for another memory and moment to share with those closest to him.

Donald's gift for stories will be remembered for many years to come, between his first-place recipe feature in Sunset Magazine and professional snow sledding with his beloved husky Bandit, there is no shortage of remembering to be done in his honor. Doctor Donald Edward Pichler (The Captain) lived enough life in one that most people live in three. He set a standard of not simply reaching for the stars but catching them. He never settled, never called it good enough, and never gave less than his all to everyone he met. Don's memory is held with great admiration and gratitude, and his absence is profoundly felt by all of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation is 5:00 pm on Monday, August 3, 2026, at FRENCH- Lomas with the Rosary beginning at 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:00 am Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at St. John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr NE. Interment will follow at 1:15 pm at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Donald was preceded in death by his father, Edward Z.Pichler; his mother Kathryn Katsara (Pichler); sister Elaine K. Wilder (Pichler); brother-in-law Michael J. McKeta Jr. and partner Martha Whiting.

Donald is survived by his devoted "guardian angel" and wife Jennifer Silva; stepchildren Marissa, Vincent, Vanessa, and Jacob Silva; daughter Brenda Johnson and husband Kent, granddaughter Amber; sisters Laura (Pichler) McKeta, Barbara O'Hara and her wife Debbie, niece Kathryn Walker and husband Brian Norris, niece Audrey Walker and husband Kevin Holladay, and nephew David Walker. Great nieces Lilia Holladay and Gredel Holladay, Anna McKeta and Rachel O'Hara. Great nephews Rylan Norris, his wife Alyssa and daughter Maizie, Braydon Norris, Devin Walker, and Avery McKeta.

Honored to serve as Donald's pallbearers are Jacob Silva, Vincent Silva, Chris Silva, Braydon Norris, Kevin Holladay and Henry C. Gonzalez.