Print this page

Dr. Craig A. Cerrone, 77, on April 15, 2023

Dr. Craig Armand Cerrone, 77 of North Main Street, Attleboro, Massachusetts passed away Saturday evening, April 15, 2023. 

Born June 11, 1945, in Attleboro, he was the son of the late Armand J. Cerrone and Gladys M. (Craig) Cerrone. 

Dr. Cerrone graduated from North Attleboro High School in 1963 and in the fall of 1964 was accepted to Butler University, in Indianapolis, Indiana where he was awarded athletic scholarships in both football and baseball. He was a gifted athlete who excelled in sports all his life. In 1966 he transferred to the University of Tampa where he was granted the Huntley Heinz academic scholarship and awarded the Minaret Science Award for highest GPA with a triple science major in Math, Biology, and Chemistry. He graduated in 1969, Summa Cum Laude. Dr. Cerrone was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

In August of 1970, Dr. Cerrone received a commission of acceptance into the United States Naval Aviation program to become a pilot. He had already been accepted to Georgetown University, and decided on that path, something he often spoke about. 

After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Tampa, Florida, Dr. Cerrone was accepted to Georgetown University School of Dentistry, in Washington, DC, where he earned his doctorate degree in Dental Surgery. He graduated in May of 1974 at the top of his class. That same year, Dr. Cerrone was accepted into Georgetown’s post-doctoral program where he received a master’s degree in Oral Surgery and Prosthodontics. During this time, Dr. Cerrone was also awarded an associate professorship within the same department. He was awarded this position based on his advanced skills and precision in oral and reconstructive surgery, prosthodontics and pedodontics. He thoroughly enjoyed lecturing and teaching others.      

In 1978 Dr. Cerrone started his own practice, specializing in oral surgery in Attleboro, Massachusetts, located at 450 North Main Street, while also teaching at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine as an assistant professor in the Department of Fixed Prosthodontics. Dr. Cerrone practiced and taught for over 30 years. After retiring from dentistry, Dr. Cerrone dedicated himself to working full-time in academia, as he did early on in his career, teaching at both universities and in the public-school systemsthroughout New England. Dr. Cerrone was a life-long learner who believed passionately in higher education. 

Dr. Cerrone was known by all in the Attleboro-North Attleboro community. His practice was a family affair, always busy and bustling with relatives and friends. Any time a patient had a son, daughter or friend in need of a job Dr. Cerrone always found something for them to do. Patients came from near and far to see Dr. Cerrone; he was not only their dentist, but also a friend.

“Saber” as Dr. Cerrone was affectionately called by his North Attleboro High School Football teammates and friends was always full of fun. Known for his good looks, style and appreciation for the finer things in life, he had a charisma and energy that can’t be expressed in words. Craig was always the life of the party and wherever he went, excitement and adventure followed. He was an eternal optimist, with a spontaneity that made him seem forever young. His passion and thrill for living was something not often seen in this world and something that truly made him special. He loved life and lived it to its fullest, every day. 

Some of Craig’s favorite things included German cars; Porsches to be exact. (He owned many throughout his life), the outdoors, sunshine, caring for his beautiful 3-acre property on Hoppin Hill, having dinner with his mother, at his favorite restaurant, Hemenway’s, big cities, politics, spontaneous week-end getaways, Italian shoes, steeping-hot black coffee, baked stuffed shrimp,cherry lifesavers and dry martinis, shaken well, and of course Frank Sinatra. 

Craig was a free spirit, who always kept moving, he loved to spend his days wherever the wind took him, whether it be working out at the gym, perusing the aisles of Barnes and Noble bookstore, or meeting up with friends for breakfast or a drink. Craig knew no strangers. He made friends wherever he went and was happiest in a room full of people, filled with music, dancing and laughter.

Craig was a devoted and caring grandfather, who loved to wrestle, play football and baseball, watch movies and go to the mall with his grandchildren, who he adored. They always delighted him and brought a smile to his face. 

Craig will be forever missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Dr. Cerrone was the former husband and friend of Donna G. (Mercurio) Cerrone of East Greenwich, RI, the beloved father of Michelle C. Cerrone of East Greenwich, RI and Andrew C. Cerrone of Lincoln, RI, the Grandfather of Evan M. Wahl, Liam M. Wahl, Kasey G. Cerrone and Ashley S. Cerrone and brother of Carol A. Shea of Port Richey, Florida, Bruce E. Cerrone of New London, Connecticut, Janice L Christiansen of Lutry, Switzerland, and Lt. Col. Armand A. Scott Cerrone, USAF (Retired) of New Port Richey, Florida. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 4-7 PM at the Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10 AM in Grace Episcopal Church, 104 North Washington Street, North Attleboro. Interment will follow the service in Mount Hope Cemetery and Arboretum, Mount Hope Street, Attleboro Falls.