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.