George T. Gildea age 85 of Canton passed away unexpectedly October 25th at the Mass General Hospital. Born in Lawrence, MA he moved to North Andover in 1934 and graduated from Johnson High School in 1942. He served three years in the Navy during WW II and completed his Pre-Dental Studies at Boston College in 1948. He graduated from Tufts Dental School in 1952 and completed his Graduate Orthodontic studies at tufts in 1954. He then became an associate of Dr. Herbert I. Marigolis, Chairman of the Graduate Orthodontic Department at Tufts. In 1956, he opened his own practice in Brockton and worked until his retirement in 1995. Dr. Gildea was an Instructor in the Orthodontic Department at Tufts from 1955-1963. He joined the faculty at Boston University Graduate School of Orthodontics in 1967 as an Assistant Clinical Professor and in 1979 he was appointed Clinical Professor of Orthodontics. In 1992 he was inducted into the Honorary Dental Society, Omicron, Kappa Upsilon at Boston University. He retired from Boston University in 2004. He served as Chairman of the Qualifying Committee for the Northeastern Society of Orthodontics from 1973 to 1978. He chaired various committees for other Orthodontic organizations, among them, Chairman of the Orthodontic section of Yankee Dental Congress in 1976, Chairman of the Examining Committee of the Angle Society in 1985, and Chairman of the Program Committee of Northeastern Society of Orthodontics in 1986. He was also the President of the Tufts Association of Orthodontists in 1972-1973 and Chairman of the South Shore Dental Society in 1974-1975 and president of the North American Begg Society in 1982-1983. He is a retired member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Angle Society of Orthodontists and is a member of the College of Diplomates, American Board of Orthodontics. In 2002 he was the recipient of the Frederick Moynihan Award , presented by the Mass Assn of Orthodontists for Outstanding Contributions and service to Orthodontics. He has served as Orthodontic Consultant for the Division of Medical Assistance, Commonwealth of MA since 1979 and retired from this position in 2006. He enjoyed golf, skiing and photography and has lived in Canton since 1955. Beloved husband of Kathleen (Eastwood) since 1951. Father of George Gildea of PA, John Gildea & his wife Ann Marie of RI., Kerry Gildea Withee of Stoughton, Ellen Leeber & her husband Paul of Hull, Mary Kay Whelan & her husband Brian, Jane DeSisto & her husband Peter & Martin Gildea & his wife Jo-An all of Canton, James Gildea of Walpole & Matthew Gildea & his wife Susan of Mansfield. Also survived by 23 grandchildren. Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Thursday 6-8 pm & Friday 4-8 pm. Funeral mass at St. Gerard Majella Church Canton Saturday morning at 10. Interment Canton Corner Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Assn 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472 or to “Our Neighbor’s in Need” c/o St. Gerard Majella Church 1860 Washington St. Canton, MA 02021.