Arthur John Pidoriano

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Dr. Arthur J. Pidoriano, 83, of Todt Hill, a dentist, died Thursday after suffering a sudden heart attack while playing golf at the Frenchman's Reserve Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, FLa.

Born in Brooklyn, he moved to Todt Hill in the 1970s.

A graduate of Brooklyn Preparatory High School, Dr. Pidoriano received his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-med from St. Mary's College of California in Moraga, Ca. to which he had a basketball scholarship. He obtained his Doctorate in dentistry from New York University in Manhattan.

Dr. Pidoriano operated his self-titled dental practice in Brooklyn for 45 years, retiring about 10 years ago.

"He had an outstanding career in the world of dentistry and performed his talented skills for many patients. My father was also a true gentleman with an enormous heart who touched the lives of many," said his son, Joseph P. Pidoriano.

An avid golfer, he was a long-time member of Richmond County Country Club, Todt Hill. Dr. Pidoriano was also a parishioner at St. Ann's R.C. Church in Dongan Hills.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dr. Regina McGinn, who died of cancer at age 43. In 2010 the Regina M. McGinn, M.D., Education Center opened at Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze to honor her for having the vision for the facility.

In addition to his son, Joseph P., Dr. Pidoriano is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Anne Carini; another son, Dr. Arthur J. Pidoriano, Jr; two daughters, Joanne Mc Keefrey and Lisa Nolin; 19 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

The funeral will be Thursday from Casey Funeral Home in Castleton Corners, with a 10 a.m. mass at St. Ann's R.C. Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Queens.