Dunmore dentist Frank Padula, DMD, has been named Italian American Man of the Year by the Columbus Day Association of Lackawanna County. The organization will honor Dr. Padula during its 118th annual dinner on Sunday, October 11, at Fiorelli’s, Peckville.
The dinner is the highlight of the Columbus Day observance in Lackawanna County.
“It’s a great honor to receive this award,” said Dr. Padula. “My family background is Italian, so it means even more to them. It’s a big honor for my family.”
Son of Frank, Sr. and Susan Padula, Dr. Padula, 55, is married to the former Karen Oven. The couple has two sons: Andrew, 22, a first-year dental student at the University of Pittsburgh, and Christopher, 20, a sophomore at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, the oldest technical research university in the world. Both graduated from Scranton Prep after attending Dunmore public schools through eighth grade. Dr. Padula also has a brother, Richard Padula.
Dr. Padula graduated from Scranton Prep in 1990 after attending Dunmore public schools through eighth grade. He went on to receive a bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Scranton in 1995 and a Doctor of Dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1999.
He practices dentistry at Oven-Padula Dental Practice, 320 West Drinker St., Dunmore.
His partners are family members David T. Oven and Leslie A.Tarzano.
The dental office was founded over 50 years ago by his father-in-law, David A. Oven.
“I’m in my 28th year practicing dentistry and I love it,” said Dr. Padula. “I’m very fortunate to be practicing in my hometown and taking care of the local people. I feel blessed.
“I’m hoping my son will join me someday. That will be up to him, but it would be nice to have him working with me.”
Dr. Padula said his grandmother, Anne Ragnacci Romanini, came to this country at age five from Perugia, Italy. She later met her future husband Dominick who was raised in the Sport Hill section of Dunmore.
The Padula part of the family came from Catania, Italy, and settled in the Bunker Hill section of Dunmore.
Dr. Padula enjoys fishing in his spare time. He is a big fan of the University of Pittsburgh and a season ticket holder. He played baseball, football, and basketball at Scranton Prep and baseball at the University of Scranton.
Dr. Padula serves on the Board of the Scranton Primary Healthcare Center. He and his wife are ushers and lectors at Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton He coached and served on Boards many years for Dunmore youth athletics.
His dad is a well-known retired school teacher who taught 35 years in the Dunmore School District. His mom still works 20 hours a week as an office secretary for the dental practice.
“My mom likes to keep busy working,” he said.
Dr. Padula said he is looking forward to the upcoming event.
“It’s really going to be great,” he said. “My family is proud of our Italian heritage and background. I think it’s an honor for myself and my entire family, but really more for the family. They will be sure to enjoy it.”
NOTE: Interested persons can make reservations by contacting Joe Fazio at 570-241-1691. The cost of the dinner is $65. Cocktails will be served at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The presentation will then follow.