According to a release from Boston University, Anthony A. Gianelly, DMD, MD, PHD, died of a heart attack on Thursday, May 28. He was 72. Gianelly was Chair ad interim of the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
Gianelly graduated from Harvard College in 1957, where he was a leading fullback and linebacker on Harvard’s varsity football team in the 1954-56 seasons. He was also a member of Harvard’s varsity track team and the rugby team.
He received a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1961 and a certificate of advanced graduate study in orthodontics from Harvard/Forsyth Dental Center in 1963. He earned a 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.
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 Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine 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 Boston University from 1968 to 2003 and had returned as Chair ad interim in 2007. In addition to teaching at Boston University, Gianelly lectured around the world throughout his career.
Jeffrey Hutter, DMD, Dean of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine said,"Dr. Gianelly positively influenced countless lives as a teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend during the years he spent at the BU Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Both my wife Kathy and I have been profoundly touched by his presence, his dedication, and his passion for our School. He was an integral and founding member of what became the legacy of our School."
Gianelly received many prestigious awards over the course of his career, including the 2009 Louise Ada Jarabak Memorial International Teachers and Research Award, presented at the AAO Annual Session in May 2009. Boston University awarded him the Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1999. The same year, the Italian Society of Orthodontists gave Gianelly the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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).
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).
A memorial service will be held at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine on Friday, June 26th at 10:30 AM in the auditorium at 670 Albany Street. A reception in Hiebert Lounge will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made either to the Anthony A. Gianelly Chair in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Office of Alumni Relations, 72 East Newton Street B304, Boston MA 02118; or to the Parish of the Good Shepherd, 1671 Beacon Street, Waban, MA 02468.