Dr. Jerry Cellura is welcoming his son, Gerry, as a partner in his Spencerport dental practice. In a letter to his patients Dr. Cellura said that it was “with joy and pride” that he introduces his son. Gerry will begin work with his father in July as Dr. Gerry, to alleviate some of the confusion with the names. Dr. Gerry graduated from McQuaid High School and the University of Rochester with honors and received a doctorate in dental medicine (DMD) from the University of Pennsylvania. At this time he is finishing his dental residency at Strong Memorial Hospital. Dr. Cellura says that everyone will have a choice of dentists once Gerry starts. He hopes to introduce his son by having him do routine exams. He will also do root canals, surgeries and emergencies. Gerry’s specialty is perial surgery, which involves the gum and bone. Dr. Cellura has been a dentist in Spencerport since 1976. He calls his practice “highly service-oriented,” saying that although it was his birthday and a Saturday, he came into the office for two emergencies on May 17. He also says that because he is able to do multiple (dental) disciplines, he does not have to send people to other dentists. Dr. Cellura does surgeries and root canals as well and regular dental care. Dr. Gerry will do the same. Dr. Gerry worked assisting his father during summers when he was a college student. “I was a mentor for him,” Dr. Cellura says, “but I always gave him free-will to choose.” He proudly claims that his son, “turned down two graduate opportunities to work with me.” Dr. Gerry says, “I am really excited (about working with my father) because he has had lots of experience, and I think I can learn a lot from him. He and I have always spent time together, so it should be an easy transition.” Dr. Cellura says that he loves what he does. “Some people don’t like their profession. Your mind is a powerful tool and what you think is what you create. If you decide to love what you do, it will become your reality. I gave that message to my son, and he also loves going to work every day!” Office staff members are also looking forward to the expansion of the dental practice. Maria Ferrel says, “I have worked for Dr. Jerry Cellura for 21 years. In that time I have come to respect him as a very compassionate dentist and a very generous and caring employer. I have every reason to believe that his son, Dr. Gerry, will continue on the same path.” Karen Harrison agrees: “Dr. Cellura has been a wonderful employer for the past 15 years. I am looking forward to Dr. Gerry joining the practice.” Dr. Cellura says, “I have more respect for my son than almost everyone else.” In his letter to his patients, he writes, “I am as unbiased as a proud father can be. Gerry has been a blessing as a son. He has an easy-going personality and a wonderful sense of humor. Gerry is a very responsible person of high integrity.” Dr. Cellura is also involved in the Mercy Outreach Center, which is a health center where dentists and physicians and other health care workers volunteer their time to work with those in the city of Rochester who are without insurance. Besides donating his medical expertise, he also raises money for the center by running an annual Charity Golf Tournament. This year it is at the Brook-Lea Country Club on July 21. Sister Kathleen Ann Kolb, RSM, executive director of the center, says, “Jerry Cellura is one of many ‘angels of the Mercy Outreach Center.’ His particular angelic qualities include organizing the annual golf tournament to benefit the center, influencing four other dentists to volunteer their time and contributing from his own personal resources on a regular basis.” Dr. Cellura also cares for Carmelite Sisters, a cloistered group of nuns. He provides transportation for them to come to his office and treats them free of charge. The father-son team should be together for many years. Cellura says he has no plans to retire. He would like, he admits, to have a chance to get away for more than a few days in the winter months. |
