Clark Dowling Cellio

Clark Dowling Cellio, aged 76, passed away peacefully on December 17 in Lakeway, Texas, after a long battle with dementia. Clark was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, his sister Jane (Campbell), brothers-in-law Jeff Brown and Gordon Campbell, nephew Mike Rockey, and grandson Luke Thomas Morgan.

Clark was born in Columbus, Ohio to Jack and Dorothy Cellio. He was a 1964 graduate of Upper Arlington High School, where he played basketball and golf. After high school he became a three-time graduate of The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science (1968), a Master of Science (1969), and finally a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (1971). Clark was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity at Ohio State, which gave him lots of stories to share (appropriate or not) and a valued brotherhood. Clark also completed a residency in orthodontia at Ohio State; after finishing his residency, Clark and his family relocated to Circleville, Ohio, where he opened an orthodontic practice that would serve the area for the next 40 years.

During his long and faithful career as an orthodontist in Circleville, Clark could be found every day of the week interacting with his pediatric patients, their parents, and telling his newest joke. He was particularly proud of the numerous patients who were crowned Miss Pumpkin Show - he hung their portraits in his waiting area - as they provided great advertising for his services. Clark loved with all his heart, had an infectious laugh, and felt no ill will toward anyone. He was active in his local Rotary Club and had a real affection for the foreign exchange program, which led to his family hosting students from Columbia (Diego Dorado) and Costa Rica (Daniel Aguilar Rosado) over the years, with whom he maintained contact throughout his life.

An avid sports fan, Clark spent countless years coaching his kids’ soccer teams and making it a priority to attend their various tennis matches, soccer, basketball, and baseball games. In between his kids’ sporting events he could be found supporting his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes (and throwing the occasional pillow at the television). He also followed the Cleveland Browns and remained a believer through even the toughest of seasons. Clark loved playing golf, and remembered fondly throughout his life the time he played golf with the Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus.

Clark cherished time with family and friends (especially the furry doggie kind - most recently Abby and Taffy), loved watching old movies (a pastime his kids and grandkids could never quite bring themselves to love along with him), White Castle, a good chocolate milkshake, singing oldies (but goodies), World War II-era history, and all things related to space. He was a patriot, sang the Star Spangled Banner with pride, and held a deep respect for those in his family who served (or will serve) in the military.

Clark was a loving Grandaddy who appreciated inclusion in all of his grandchildren’s hobbies and interests. He passed along to them his deeply-rooted beliefs in hard work and effort, as well as his passion for all types of sports. He devoted time to playing golf with his sons and grandsons, and spent many hours shopping with his wife, daughter, and granddaughters simply so that he could spend time with them.

In the weeks before he died, Clark loved listening to The Ohio State University Marching Band, and would pass time humming along to his favorite fight songs. He wanted his final send-off to be the Buckeye Battle Cry.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 53 years, Judy (Stine); his twin sister Lynne; sister-in-law Nancy Rockey; son Brian (Lisa) Cellio; daughter Christy (Chris) Morgan; son Brad (Ashley) Cellio; nine grandchildren: Tanner Cellio, Adelyn Cellio and Austin Cellio, Caleb Morgan, Lottie Morgan, Adam Morgan, and Jonah Morgan, and Mia Cellio and Wyatt Cellio; three nieces: Jenny Tincher, Jessica Hood, and Devon Rockey; and two nephews: Dan Rockey and Matt Rockey.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Clark would have loved nothing more than for the Buckeyes to win the College Football Championship - so cheer them on and think fondly of him.