Lionel B. Pelletier, DMD, 58, of Dedham, MA passed away peacefully at home March 14, 2015 surrounded by his closest friends.
Born in the town of Digne in Provence France, he was the only son of Doctors Bernard and Jacqueline Pelletier. Dr. Pelletier graduated from Université d’Aix - Marseille II, Faculté d’Odontologie in 1979 and from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1990.
Dr. Pelletier practiced dentistry after graduation for five years in Marseille, France – first completing his mandatory service with the French Army in Libourne and eventually became Captain in the reserve. He left France in 1984 to attend the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) where he completed a Master's of Medical Science Degree with a specialty certificate in Prosthodontics and obtained his DMD. He joined the HSDM faculty full time in 1990, eventually becoming the director of the Advanced Graduate Prosthodontics program. In 2000 he left a very rewarding academic career to enter into private practice in Brookline, Massachusetts, and from 2008 to the onset of his illness in November of 2014 he practiced alongside Dr. Lawrence Phan.
Dr. Pelletier was passionate about classical music, art collection, performance automobiles, powerboats, and traveling between his favorite places from Boston to Provence to Clearwater, FL. He will be remembered for his warm personality and welcoming spirit, a most caring and understanding man who touched all of those lucky to be around him.
Before his death, Dr. Pelletier created a named, endowed fund for the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. The Pelletier Family Fellowship in Prosthodontics pays tribute to former faculty member Lionel Pelletier and his parents Bernard and Jacqueline.
There will be no calling hours. Services will be private both in the United States and in France.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution in Dr. Pelletier's memory to the Pan-Mass Challenge. The rider for Dr. Pelletier will be JULIAN PHAN, a beloved friend of Lionel and the son of his business partner Dr. Lawrence Phan. Donations can be made online at http://www2.pmc.org/profile/JP0368; 100% of your donation will go to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.