Theodore Shemella, a retired dentist, formerly of Garden City, died May 4, 2013 of natural causes at age 93 after a long and productive life.
Dr. Shemella grew up in Pottsville, Pa., graduated from Penn State University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Class of 1943. He served in the Navy during World War II and in the Naval Reserves after the war. He rose to the level of navigator in the U.S. Power Squadron.
During his service he was based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard where he met and married Elizabeth Wilson in 1946. Dr. Shemella was also on the staff of the Brooklyn Eye and Ear Hospital and active member of the Second District Dental Society, Dental Society of New York and American Dental Association. He achieved the status of associate member in the American Academy of Periodontics.
Dr. Shemella established a dental practice in Brooklyn and moved his growing family to Garden City in 1954. He also established a dental practice in Garden City, where he was a member of Kiwanis. He retired from dental practice in 1988 and moved to Toms River, NJ.
He will be remembered for many things, including his pioneering work in the prevention and treatment of gum disease. Had he chosen to do so, he could have been a professional musician. He also loved photography, painting, boating, fishing and most of all, birding with Betty. Dr. Shemella gave many multi-media lectures with his bird photography.
He leaves behind a tradition of learning, a tireless work ethic and success in a family spread all over the world. Dr. Shemella is survived by four children, Paul (GCHS '68), Ted ('70), Drew ('74) and Peggy Shemella Braddock ('74), six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held in June and interment will be in Pottsville, Pa. Donations in his honor may be sent to Garden City High School.
