Raymond Anthony Yukna

Raymond was born on October 8, 1942, to Daniel and Stacy Yukna in Brockton, MA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carolyn Babcock, and his brother Paul Yukna. He is survived by his sister Kathryn Sullivan of Worcester, MA.

Raymond was always proud of his Lithuanian heritage. Both sets of his grandparents immigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island, where their long Slavic surname was shortened to Yuknas (the “s” was later dropped).

Educated in Brockton public schools, Raymond attended Tufts University in Boston and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts Dental School. Following an internship in Chicago, IL, he joined the U.S. Navy and completed specialty training in Periodontics at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda, MD. During his naval service, Ray spent one year in Vietnam and served for many years in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Ray went on to become a world-renowned educator, researcher, and mentor. He was a diplomate of both the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Oral Medicine. He served as Professor of Advanced Periodontal Therapies at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in Denver, CO, and was Professor Emeritus at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans, LA.

Ray was most proud of his research in dental lasers, which helped transform laser periodontal therapy. For over 20 years, he worked closely with Millennium Dental Technologies in Cerritos, CA, training over 1,000 clinicians. His legacy endures through every practitioner he taught and every patient impacted by his mentorship.

He met Charlotte Fischer in 1979 and married her in 1981, enjoying 45 years of marriage. He deeply loved and took great pride in Charlotte’s daughter, Lauren Fischer Buckles, often remarking that marrying Charlotte was a "BOGO" deal that brought a little blonde haired 7-year-old girl into his life. He consistently attended her school functions, cheerleading events, and dance recitals, and fondly remembered waltzing at her debut. One of his proudest moments was giving her away in marriage to Clif Buckles in 1998.

Raymond’s devotion to family grew even further as a grandfather. He was blessed with the birth of Anna Claire on February 3, 2003, and Brooke Elizabeth on June 7, 2007. His granddaughters brought him constant love and joy.

Although he was very busy with his career, Raymond found time for a few hobbies including gardening, golf, and raising orchids. As a result of his research and publications he was invited to lecture to dentists all around the world. He and Charlotte loved traveling together. They were always intrigued by other cultures and treasured the many friendships they made in foreign countries.

While Raymond had a very serious professional demeanor, those who knew him well also enjoyed his corny sense of humor. It was heartwarming to see him with his beloved Shichon puppy, Betsy. Especially in his final months, she was a constant source of affection and real joy.

Raymond passed away on June 6, 2026. Although mobility and health challenges prevented him from walking, working, or traveling during his final six years, he maintained his sharp mind, keen wit, and love of life. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial Service in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will be private.

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