In Memoriam
Dr . Raymond R . Lancione
On May 18 , the Pennsylvania Dental Association suffered the loss of Dr . Raymond Lancione , a beloved leader who passed away at the age of 92 , at Good Samaritan hospice in Wexford , surrounded by his loving family .
Dr . Lancione , of Moon Township , served PDA as our vice president ( 1988-89 ), Tenth District trustee ( 1991-95 ) and then secretary ( 1995-2000 ), and because of his extraordinary career was honored in 2019 with PDA ’ s highest honor , the Distinguished Service Award .
Born in Coraopolis in 1932 , he graduated from Coraopolis High School and then pursued his lifelong ambition to become a dentist . He attended the University of Pittsburgh and received both his BS and DDS degrees . He became a strong supporter of his Alma Mater , where he served on the Admissions Committee for the Dental School and on the Alumni Council , including time as president .
Dr . Lancione opened his first and only dental practice in McDonald , a small , rural community , where he practiced dentistry for more than 60 years . He was a proud member of the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania ( DSWP ), serving in numerous offices and on many committees . In 1995 , the DSWP honored him with their highest award , the Dr . Albert R . Pechan Memorial Ward for Excellence .
Dr . Cynthia Schuler described how Ray had been a mentor to many dentists across Pennsylvania for 50 years , encouraging others to get involved in organized dentistry . In nominating him for the 2019 Distinguished Service Award , she described his extraordinary skill as a problem-solver :
“ Ray can walk into a room of contentious people and see to it that all matters are calmly settled to the best interest of all parties involved , smoothly and quickly . He is quick , alert , sensitive to the feelings of others , knowledgeable and able to see the entirety of a problem at a glance ; in short he is the consummate diplomat . Ray is one who prefers to remain the unsung hero ; never taking recognition got himself , but just seeking results .”
“ Ray is always generous , kind , honest , trustworthy , compassionate , and a humble human being .”
Dr . Lancione was inducted into multiple honorary dental organizations , including : American College of Dentists , International College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy . At 92 , he continued to actively serve on the Board of Directors for the DSWP and the Medical Bureau of Pittsburgh until the time of his death .
He is survived by his brother Gregory Lancione of Akron and his son Dr . Raymond Lancione Jr . of Cleveland . He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jesse ( Giustini ) and parents Orazio and Emily ( Spezialetti ) Lancione .
Dr . Thomas M . Check Norristown Temple University ( 1952 ) Born : 1927 Died : 2 / 27 / 2023 |
Dr . Martin M . Dudas Monessen University of Pittsburgh ( 1965 ) Born : 1940 Died : 4 / 24 / 2024 |
Dr . Kurt J . Laemmer , Jr . Bradford University of Pittsburgh ( 1990 ) Born : 1963 Died : 7 / 23 / 2023 |
Dr . L . James Snyder Bryn Mawr University of Pennsylvania ( 1968 ) Born : 1943 Died : 4 / 30 / 2024 |
Dr . James L . Dannenberg Philadelphia University of Pennsylvania ( 1948 ) Born : 1926 Died : 12 / 17 / 2023 |
Dr . John M . Fosnocht Harrisburg University of Pennsylvania ( 1958 ) Born : 1933 Died : 4 / 4 / 2024 |
Dr . Richard C . Rushmore Kennett Square University of Pennsylvania ( 1952 ) Born : 1924 Died : 4 / 7 / 2024 |
Dr . Robert H . Williams Newtown Square University of Pennsylvania ( 1963 ) Born : 1937 Died : 12 / 9 / 2023 |
Dr . Ralph E . Dendler Wilson University of Pittsburgh ( 1964 ) Born : 1938 Died : 3 / 21 / 2024 |
Dr . Kenneth E . Hoelzle Jenkintown Temple University ( 1979 ) Born : 1953 Died : 2 / 27 / 2024 |
Dr . Kim R . Shaffer Butler University of Pittsburgh ( 1962 ) Born : 1932 Died : 3 / 21 / 2024 |
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JULY / AUGUST 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 41