Vincent A. Segreto, D.D.S.

He was born January 3, 1922, in New York City, New York, the son of Italian immigrants, Serafino and Frances Segreto.

Dr. Segreto earned his bachelor's degree from St. Bonaventure University, New York, NY, and his DDS from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO.

He proudly served in the US Air Force for 26 years, where he was Chief of Dental Research. For his service to his country he was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal and the Recognition of Outstanding Qualifications in General Dentistry, the highest level of professional achievement recognized by the Air Force.

In 1975, Dr. Segreto joined the faculty of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio as Professor and Division Head of Research, Department of Dental Diagnostic Science. In 1986, he was appointed as Adjunct Faculty at Universidad Mariano Galvez, Guatemala City. Upon his retirement from the UTHSCSA he was appointed Emeritus Professor.

Dr. Segreto changed the face of dentistry in this country by conducting research studies that led to the development of many of the dental products on the market today. Among his many studies were extensive investigations into the use of stannous fluoride in the field of dentistry and a study for the EPA about the effects of natural fluoride on tooth enamel. Over a 50 year career in dental research, Dr. Segreto published approximately 43 professional articles and was a legend in his own time.

Life in the Air Force allowed Dr. Segreto and his family to live all over the world and he made sure his children experienced the lives and cultures of those living in these foreign countries. In 2001, he took his entire family on a Mediterranean cruise and to Italy for a family reunion.

Dr. Segreto was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and loyal friend to his many colleagues.

"I have had a beautiful life," Dr. Vincent A. Segreto.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Carmela Millie Segreto; daughters, Linda Mesa and husband, Daniel J., Deborah McAdams both of San Antonio, and Kathleen Segreto and husband, Robert McRory of Spicewood, TX; sister, Frances Catanazaro and husband, Peter of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Michael V. and Kristin E. Mesa, Jillian A. and Stephen E. McAdams; great-grandchildren, Annabella and Vincent Mesa; aunt, Matilda Lattuca; numerous nieces and nephews.

Dr. Segreto will lie in state beginning at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 22, 2007, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vincent A. and Millie M. Segreto Endowment for Oral Medicine, UTHSCSA, M/C 7906, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900.