Honor Dr. John P. Celona

Senate Resolution No. 4382 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMENDING Dr. John P. Celona upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Bridge to Youth on April 13, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives of service to their community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dr. John P. Celona upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Bridge to Youth to be celebrated at its Annual Dinner Dance on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Sirico's Caterers in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, A community based non-profit organization in its 14th year, Bridge to Youth serves the social and physical needs of developmentally disabled children from all five boroughs of New York City; and WHEREAS, Bridge to Youth allows children and their families to interact with other peers and typically developing teenage volunteers in such sponsored activities as, adaptive physical education, music therapy, art therapy, literacy through cooking, and Zumba; these programs foster new friendships, and improve the children's social skills; and WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Dr. John P. Celona has continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his community and profession and consequently has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, John P. Celona attended St. Agatha's Elementary School and Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School; after graduating, he earned his bachelor's degree in biology/chemistry from St. John's University; and WHEREAS, John P. Celona fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a dentist by graduating from Fairleigh S. Dickenson Jr. College of Dental Medicine in 1990; he then completed a Pediatric Dental Residency Program at Brookdale Hospital where he received his certification; and WHEREAS, For over 25 years, Dr. John P. Celona has treated the young people of Howard Beach, Queens; through patient education, kindness, and a gentle hand, he has made children feel comfortable and safe; affectionately known to his patients as Dr. John, he devotes a good part of his practice to treating children with various developmental disabilities; and WHEREAS, In addition to his private practice, Dr. John P. Celona shares his vast knowledge and superior skills with Pediatric Dentist students; in this capacity, "Big Papa" teaches candidates to use compassion to help their patients not be afraid; and WHEREAS, In 2016, Dr. John P. Celona was the recipient of the NYU Lutheran Faculty of the Year Award for his 22 years of outstanding and dedicated service and leadership in the department of Dental Medicine, Pediatric Residency Program; and WHEREAS, A devoted member of his Brooklyn community, Dr. John P. Celona loves to trim his home with Christmas decorations during the Dyker Lights Showcase; and WHEREAS, He also served as the President of Visitation Academy Father's Club for five years; throughout his tenure, he was instrumental in raising significant funds for school improvements; for his steadfast and unremitting commitment, he received the 2009 St. Francis DeSales Award for his Salesian spirit, and was named Man of the Year in 2016; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 27 years, Annette, and their two daughters, Angelica and Amanda, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, This exceptional human being truly believes that children are the future and has devoted his life to making sure they are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Dr. John P. Celona has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their career, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Dr. John P. Celona upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Bridge to Youth on April 13, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. John P. Celona.