CERASO Dr. FRANK LOUIS Loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed peacefully into the Lord's hands January 27, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Frank was born in Vandergrift, PA on July 27, 1927. In 1951, he married Rita Jean Pagliarulo, who preceded him in death in January 2014. His deep love for her remained until his dying breath. Dr. Ceraso graduated from Vandergrift High in 1946, served his country as a naval seaman until 1948, graduated from St. Vincent University in Latrobe in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science (Microbiology), and then graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School Of Dental Medicine in 1955. His career began in the public health system with the United States Coast Guard from 1955 through 1957. He then brought his skill to the Alle-Kiski Valley, setting up a practice in Leechburg. It was there that he would establish and maintain the high standard of patient care that became his reputation as a dentist. With his focus constantly on the overall health of his patient, Dr. Ceraso pioneered the concept that became known in his office as the Preventive Maintenance Program. The program educated patients on the value of dental care and established trust between patient and staff. In 1966, the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine asked Dr. Ceraso to come to the Dental School and institute this program, which has now become part of the first year dental student curriculum. Later, Dr. Frank joined the periodontal department where he worked in the clinic performing periodontal surgery. He was the only general dentist to be in the department as an associate professor, working at the school for 23 years. As he served his patients with exceptional care, he saved many lives with his cancer screening program. Finding cancer and referring patients to their physician for further evaluation is common practice today but back in the 50's, 60's and 70's, that was not the case. It was through this kind of forward thinking that his stature of quality care, patient health and superb dentistry grew. In 1979, he built a nine-operatory clinic with a full-service dental lab and employed 21 people in the valley. Patients would come from all over the country to seek his skill and he retired in 1998. He was a very active member of his church and community. As a former School Board Director and President at Leechburg Area School District, he championed education and supported educational programs, like the first Reading Program established back in the 1960's at Leechburg's elementary schools. Showing his love for the Catholic Church, he served as a lecture, Eucharistic Minister and a Knights of Columbus member. Character, integrity, success, and skill are all words used to describe Dr. Ceraso. He exemplified the standard that healthcare professionals strive to meet today. In addition to his parents and wife, Rita Jean, Dr. Ceraso was preceded in death by his brothers, Ronald and Anthony Ceraso. He is survived by his sons, Dr. Greg (Tina) Ceraso of Johnston, IA, Mark (Alice) Ceraso of Pittsburgh, Kevin (Marci) Ceraso of Lower Burrell, Dr. John (Karla) Ceraso of Pinehurst, NC, Joel (Regan) Ceraso of Lower Burrell; daughter, Natalie (Michael) Bozzone of Cheswick; 13 grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Janet Ceraso of Ford City, Marie Kowalczyk of Leechburg; brother and sister-in-law, Frank (Bernice) Pagliarulo of Greensburg, PA; and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received on Friday, February 3, 2017, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the BRADY - CURRAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 429 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift. Parting prayers will be recited on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Church, Vandergrift. Entombment in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Vandergrift, with military honors accorded by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial Contributions may be made in Dr. Ceraso's memory to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation, 3152 Little Road, Suite 146, Trinity, FL 34655, or to Bishop Morrow Home, 118 Park Road, Leechburg, PA 15656. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.curranfuneralhome.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
