John William Cottone

John William Cottone, DMD, 60, of Locust Valley, N.Y., passed away Dec. 22, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Cottone was known by hundreds as their trusted and friendly family dentist, a profession to which he gave his talent and heart for 30 years. He owned a practice in Syosset, which he expanded in 2001 as Berry Hill Dentistry, PC. Dr. Cottone was a true professional of the science of dentistry who dedicated his time and concentration to the latest advancements in the dental field. But, it was the passion for the art of his craft that set him apart. A smile is each person’s gift to the world, and Dr. Cottone took seriously his role in bringing the happiest, brightest smile to each of his patients. In fact, he was known for his own smile — offering it freely to anyone at any time. It is perhaps what his friends and family will remember most of John, something he never failed to give them even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July. For the next five months, he fought the disease valiantly and selflessly. His family and patients remained his top priority, and John kept going to work despite the battle he faced. The most powerful source of John’s smile, however, was his family. He met Carol Anne Schmitz, DMD, while studying at the Fareligh Dickinson University School of Dentistry. After he graduated in 1985, the two married in 1997. Dr. Schmitz joined her husband at Berry Hill Dentistry and together they had two children, Julianne and Christian. He proudly spoke of his angel Julianne’s kindness and intellect and best-friend Christian’s skill on the ice hockey rink. They loved sports spending time with their father on the golf course, at home, and anywhere they were together. Born on Dec. 7, 1958, John was raised in Farmingdale and is a 1977 graduate of Farmingdale High School. He was an accomplished wrestler, pole vaulter, and gymnast. Along with his wife and children, John is survived by his parents, Charles and Jeanette; brother Charles (Bridget); father-in-law Dr. Robert M. Schmitz (Marion); brother-in-law Robert W. Schmitz, DMD (Erika); sister-in-law Jeannie Babinski; and nieces and nephews Nicholas and Michael Cottone, James and Johanna Babinski, and Gabi and Gracie Schmitz. Friends and family are invited to call at the Beney Funeral Home, 79 Berry Hill Rd., Syosset on Dec. 27 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 93 Anstice St., Oyster Bay on Friday, Dec. 28 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, an educational fund has been established for Julianne and Christian. If you would like to donate, please visit https://onetoonefunds.org/461-john-s-journey/details/campaign, or send a check payable to The Bone Marrow Foundation, 515 Madison Ave., Suite 1130, New York, NY 10022. If you have any questions, please contact The Bone Marrow Foundation and Sharon Reyes-Rodriquez at 212-838-3029.