GSDM Mourns the Loss of Dr. Anthony Gianelly
Dr. Anthony A. Gianelly, Chair ad interim of the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, passed away Thursday, May 28. He was 72. He is survived by his wife Ernestine (Painter), daughter Lisa and her husband Jeff Levinson, grandsons William and Matthew Levinson, and son Todd Gianelly. He was the brother of the late Dr. Ralph Gianelly. Born in Boston he moved to Medford at the age of eight. He made his home in Waban Massachusetts.
"Dr. G" as he was affectionately known to all of us, was an integral and founding member of what became the legacy of our School," said Dean Jeffrey Hutter. "He positively influenced countless lives as a teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend during the years he spent at GSDM. Both my wife Kathy and I have been profoundly touched by his presence, his dedication, and his passion for our School."
Dr. Gianelly attended Harvard College, where he was on the Varsity football, track and rugby teams and received an artium baccalaureatus (AB) degree in 1957. He received a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1961. He received a certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS) in orthodontics from Harvard/Forsyth Dental Center in 1963. He earned a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in biology and biochemistry from Boston University in 1967 and a doctor of medicine (MD) degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 1974.
Dr. Gianelly began his career as a Research Fellow in Orthodontics at Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1963. He was appointed Associate Professor of Orthodontics at GSDM (then Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry) in 1967 and held the position until 1969, when he became a full Professor, a position he held until his death.
He served as Chair of the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at GSDM from 1968 to 2003 and Chair ad interim since 2007.
“Tony was one of the founding fathers of the School," said Associate Dean for Advanced Education and International Programs Dr. Thomas Kilgore. "He was recruited by Dr. Goldman and came here right out of Harvard. What continues to impress me is how he set the tone early on at GSDM for dedication to his students and dedication to teaching." Dr. Kilgore continued, "He was the department Chair who was always in the clinic with his students. You seldom saw him sit behind his desk. He created a lot of the culture of the School and a lot of how we think about our students and teaching. It was second nature to him to treat students well—like colleagues."
Dr. Gianelly received many prestigious awards, including the 2009 Louise Ada Jarabak Memorial International Teachers and Research Award, presented at the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in May 2009. GSDM awarded him the Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1999. The same year, the Italian Society of Orthodontists gave Dr. Gianelly the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"I’ve known him for almost 40 years," said Associate Professor and Director of the Postdoctoral Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Dr. Victor Dietz. "It was a joy and a privilege to be associated with him for all of these years. He was truly an excellent teacher, a constant mentor, and a great friend and I will miss him very much." Dr. Dietz continued, "He really was a tremendous intellect and a major force in the profession. He was extremely respected and loved by his colleagues worldwide."
Dr. Gianelly held numerous non-academic appointments throughout his career, including: Advisor to the Massachusetts Medicaid Program (1970-1972); Research Council Member for the Northeast Society of Orthodontists (1979-1984); Consultant to the American Journal of Orthodontics and Angle Orthodontist (1992-1995); Editorial Board Member for Angle Orthodontist (1992-1995); Orthodontic Educational Development Committee Member for the American Association of Orthodontists (1992-1995); Council on Education Member for the American Association of Orthodontists (1996-1998); and Education Liaison to the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (1997-1998).
Dr. Gianelly co-authored 90 journal articles between 1965 and 2007 and authored or co-authored three books: Biologic Basis of Orthodontics (1971); Ortodonzia, Concetti Practici (1985); and Bidimensional Technique: Theory and Practice (2000).
He was a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists, and Charles H. Tweed Foundation for Orthodontic Research.
"Please join me in sharing heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for Dr. Gianelly’s indelible contributions to GSDM and sincere condolences to his family and friends," added Dean Hutter.
Private family services will be held on Saturday, June 6th. A GSDM memorial will be held later in June, with details to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Anthony A. Gianelly Chair in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Mail to Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Office of Alumni Relations, 72 East Concord B304, Boston MA 02118 or The Parish of the Good Shepherd, 1671 Beacon St. Waban, Ma. 02468.