NMDA Journal Winter 2020-21

nmdental.org 31 Dr. Franklin Zecca was born in Gallup on April 11, 1937. He passed away in Phoenix, AZ on November 27, 2020. Dr. Zecca worked for 50 years as a General Dentist in Gallup, NM, a com- munity that he and his family had been a part of for several years. Franklin’s father, Guido Zecca, had become a prominent businessman and politician. Guido Zecca was from Cosco, Italy and during World War I, he had made a brief stop in Gallup and fell in love with the area. That is how the Zecca family came to live in Gallup, NM. Interestingly, Dr. Zecca’s father is most known for his promotion of boxing. For 20 years his father promoted boxing matches at the Old Kitchen Opera House. The love for Gallup did not stop with Mr. Guido Zecca, but it was passed on to his sons Franklin, Joe, and Guido Jr. After graduating from Gallup Cathedral High in 1955, Franklin was trying to figure out what type of career he was interested in and had taken some pre- dental classes at Regis College. He was also interested in law and engineering. As he was still trying to make a choice in career, he helped his brother, Joe, manage the American Bar. It was one fateful day that a Public Health Service Dentist came in and took the time to chat with Franklin. He expressed how much he enjoyed dentistry and it was this encounter that convinced Dr. Zecca to become a dentist. Dr. Franklin Zecca April 11, 1937–November 27, 2020 Dr. Larry Lubar 1937–2020 Larry Lubar, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020, at age 83. Larry lived a long and full life and touched many hearts along the way. With a huge smile and a big laugh, he lit up every corner of the room. Originally from Milwaukee, he attended Marquette University Dental School and upon graduation Larry served in the United States Army. Following his military service, Larry and his wife, Marcia, and their two children, relocated to Albu- querque, which was home for the next 56 years. Larry practiced den- tistry in Albuquerque for nearly 50 years and was affectionately known as the whistling dentist. Larry was an active volunteer in the Albuquerque community, having served as an executive board mem- ber of many charitable organizations, including the YMCA, the Albu- querque Jewish Community Center, and the New Mexico Philharmonic. He genuinely loved helping the community and gener- ously gave of his time and energy. Larry received the New Mexico Dental Association Award of Excel- lence for outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry. Never seeking accolades, he was especially proud of bringing the first Mis- sion of Mercy dental clinic to New Mexico, which provided free dental Dr. Zecca graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1966 and had once told reporters that he never had regrets on his choice to become a dentist. Following in his father’s passion for serving the community, Dr. Zecca served as Presi- dent of the Gallup Country Club, Gallup Kiwanis Club, Gallup Quar- terback Club, and Homeowner’s Association. He was also a member at times with the New Mexico Game Commission and chairman of the Gallup Airport Commission. He was involved with the Pee Wee Reese Baseball League and coached for seven years. Dr. Zecca also was very involved with dental associations and had been a member of the NMDA since 1967, Northwest Dental Society and West Central District Dental Society. He served as the President of the New Mexico Dental Association in 1986. With his alma mater UMKC School of Dentistry he served as a member of the Board of Regents. Over the years, he also served as chairman of the New Mexico Legis- lative Council and a fellow of the International College of Dentistry. Dr. Franklin Zecca is survived by his wife, Jerry Lee Zecca, who he had met on a blind date that was arranged by a lawyer friend. This past June they celebrated 61 years of marriage. Dr. Zecca was able to enjoy his retirement that started in 2016, traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed. Our deepest con- dolences and prayers for his family, he was a great man with great accomplishments and great passion for life and community. care to thousands of individuals that could not otherwise afford it. Throughout his life, Larry mentored many friends, family, and profes- sional colleagues, always lending a helping hand, his wisdom, and a dash of humor. Larry enjoyed traveling the world with Marcia, the love of his life and wife of 61 years. He is survived by Marcia; his son, Peter and wife, Jill Lubar; his daughter, Suzanne Lubar and husband, Marcos Gonzales; and four wonderful grandchildren, Alejandro, Shannon, Antonio, and Renata, to whom he was deeply devoted. Larry had a wonderfully positive outlook on life. His kindness and gen- erosity radiated to everyone fortunate enough to know him. Larry was our patriarch, our rock, and our model. The Albuquerque Com- munity and his family have lost a truly great man. Due to COVID-19, Larry's memorial is postponed until further notice. The Lubar family wishes to thank the UNM Cancer and Research Treatment Center whose incredible staff, innovative treatments, and tender care allowed Larry to enjoy his family and friends for several additional years. To celebrate the life of Larry Lubar, the family suggests sending memorial donations to the University of New Mexico's Comprehensive Cancer Center's Skin Cancer Prevention and Research Fund.