August 22, 1958 – July 28, 2020
It is with deep sadness to announce on July 28, 2020 Jeanne Salcetti unexpectedly passed away at her home in Colorado Springs, CO at the age of 61.
Jeanne was a fountain of energy that she poured into every aspect of her life. Jeanne grew up in Bethesda, MD and was a 1976 graduate of Walt Whitman High School. She subsequently graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School and received her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jeanne ultimately pursued her career as a periodontist in Colorado Springs where she had an outstanding legacy as a leading periodontist and tireless representative for the Colorado Dental Association (CDA), the American Academy of Periodontology, and the American Dental Association. She notably forged new ground for women in Colorado dentistry becoming the first woman president of the CDA. She matched her substantial professional accomplishments with a generous community spirit as a member of numerous organizations and a volunteer for the Colorado Mission of Mercy and The Dominican Dental Mission Project.
Jeanne’s professional career glitters with awards and accolades too numerous to list, but her proudest moments centered on the two brightest lights in her life: her daughter Killian, and her son Decker. Jeanne shared her passion for family, a love of the outdoors, skiing, education, world travel, and hard work with her children.
A veritable “force of nature”, Jeanne lived each day to its fullest and we pray for her to find eternal peace. We miss her greatly and will always hold her in our hearts. Jeanne is survived by her children: Killian L. Rush and Decker R. Rush; her father, Dr. Joseph R Salcetti; her siblings: Joseph Salcetti (Martha), Charles Salcetti (Donna), Robert Salcetti (Rose), Dr. MaryAnne Salcetti (Dr. Bruce Marzullo), Thomas Salcetti (Deirdre), Stacey Figueroa (Mitchell); as well as her loyal dog and loving companion, Kiyote.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a memorial donation to the Colorado Springs Conservatory, Attn: Linda Weise – 415 S. Sahwatch St., Colo. Spgs., CO 80903; Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, Attn: Kelley Likes – 610 Abbot Lane, Colo. Spgs., CO 80905.
Memorial arrangements will be announced at a future date.
Nora McIntire
5 Aug 2020I am so sad to hear the passing of Dr. Salcetti. She was such an amazing person, personable and great at what she does. She will be greatly missed.
Sheila Fuller
5 Aug 2020I am so sad at reading of Dr. Salcetti’s passing. I knew her only through her professional services but she made such an impression. Sailing into the room with a smile, friendly yet professional and so good about explaining exactly what she was doing. I loved hearing her talk about the work she did in the Dominican Republic. My heart goes out to her children and extended family. I can’t wrap my mind around the news.
Dr. Julia Rohleder
5 Aug 2020I always looked up to Jeanne. When I first came to town, she was very well known for her dedication to the dental profession in Colorado Springs. She was a strong, female role model for me. I greatly respected Dr Salcetti. I would like to offer my condolences to her close friends and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember her.
Roxi, Scott, Berlin & Shea Graham
5 Aug 2020Our hearts go out to Killian & Decker – your mom was so kind, generous and giving to all she met.
Mary Schneiderman
5 Aug 2020I was so very saddened to read about Dr. Salcetti’s passing. Over the years, she treated my two sons and my husband for dental procedures. She was a true professional. She was always so kind, friendly and compassionate. You knew you were in good hands when she took care of you. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Bill Farrell
5 Aug 2020We are saddened by the passing of Dr. Salcetti. Our condolences are extending to her family, friends, and her staff. Words can not express how special she was to her patients. Her care and concern for others was second to none. We will miss you but never forget you
Rob Simon
5 Aug 2020My heart goes out to Killian and Decker. May you find peace in these most difficult of times remembering the wonderful person your mom was and the impact she left on this world. I consider it a privilege to have known Jeanne and to have run my first Spartan race with her. R.I.P. Jeanne.
Cathy McKaige
5 Aug 2020I’m so very saddened to hear of Dr. Salcetti D’s passing. She helped me several years ago by saving two molars that other periodontists said must’ve pulled. She did bone grafts and I was thrilled to save my natural teeth. Her manner was so very kind, competent and her skill legendary.
Her friendly smile and laugh will stay with me always. Deep condolences to her family, friends and staff. She will be missed and remembered by all who knew her. ?
Elaine Gagne
6 Aug 2020I was shocked and saddened to learn of Jeanne’s passing. She was a remarkable friend and Doctor.
I trusted her completely. And I knew every visit to her would include news of her children of whom she was so proud.
Jeanne will be in my prayers; may she be seeing the Face of God.?
Dr. Robert Faiella
6 Aug 2020It is with great sorrow to hear of Jeanne’s passing. She had a contagious spirit and drive that impacted everyone around her. I will miss her as a colleague with whom I worked for decades through the ADA and the AAP…but mostly I will miss her as a great friend.
Imtiaz Manji
6 Aug 2020I had the great good fortune to have Jeanne as part of my professional think tank, and was always impressed by her gracious good will and her inspiring sense of enthusiasm for the possibilities in life. Whether it was the work she did with us, or the passion she had for contributing to her profession and building her practice, or her commitment to her family, she always approached life with full engagement.
As anyone who met her knows, Jeanne Salcetti was an extraordinary woman—a very warm and giving soul—and we are all enriched by having known her. It is heartbreaking to think that someone so full of life and love should be taken so soon. She will be long-remembered and deeply missed.
Dr Lucinda Green
6 Aug 2020I am so sad to learn of Dr Salcetti’s passing. She was such a bright light in this world. Condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed.
Christine Livingston
7 Aug 2020I met Dr. Salcetti when I needed a specialized procedure. She was not only a master of her craft but was gentle, kind and impressed me as a person. I looked forward to my check ups and always felt welcome and cared for in the best possible way. I referred people to her whenever the opportunity arose. I cannot say sorry enough to reflect my sadness. May her family, friends and colleagues find comfort knowing she’s in God’s hands.
Victoria Thorson
7 Aug 2020I am so shocked to learn of Jeanne’s passing. She was my doctor on more than one occasion and friend. I loved her sense of humor. She was an ultimate dentist-so very accomplished. My heart and sympathy goes out to her children and family. She will truly be missed!
Lani Robbins
8 Aug 2020I am so sad to read the news of Jeanne’s untimely passing. She was my doctor for a number of years and helped me–and my brother–with numerous periodontal challenges. Jeanne was such a gifted professional whom I trusted and admired. She was an incredible person and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very sad time.
Dr. Sonia Leziy
8 Aug 2020My most sincere condolences to Jeanne’s family and cherished friends. Such an impacting woman to be lost so young. She touched many of us in our profession. I can only imagine her impact on the people in her private life.
lynda alexander
10 Aug 2020I am devastated by the loss of this kind, vibrant, compassionate, and, most of all, the true epitomy of what a person and periodontist should be. I have been a patient of Jeanne’s for 22 years. My periodontal status is tops because of her. Decker and Killian,if you are reading this, I am “that patient” who made the bourbon balls for both of you and your Mom at Christmas time for many years. She savored them. I sadly relinquish this long tradition. My deep sympathy to the family.
Denise Abernethy
10 Aug 2020I just found out today about Jeanne, and my heart breaks. I met her back in 2005 through her services and have seen her ever since. She was someone who was a professional, but impacted my life through her transparency, trials, successes and world travels. She loved her children and I admired her greatly. She was talented and gifted, and enjoyed life with gusto. I hope her family knows all of the lives she touched, both stateside and abroad.
Roger and Judy
11 Aug 2020Doctor Jeanne Marie Salcetti was an exceptional individual in every way; she was an extraordinary human being and we shall miss her more than we can express in mere words.
“Say not in grief she is no more, but live in thankfulness she was …”
Until we meet again on the other side.
Margie Janney
12 Aug 2020All of Bannockburn is missing Jeanne’s spark.
Ahmad and Kimberley Gordji - Dental Arts Studio
14 Aug 2020Our sincerest condolences go out to Jeanne’s friends and family. We have worked with her for many years and are saddened by her sudden passing. Love and prayers to you all.
Anonymous
18 Aug 2020Killian & Decker – The Kesselateers are so sorry for your loss…Killian you captured your mom’s uniqueness so well in your Facebook post. Her support of you two, from the volleyball world we shared to her talents in treating McKenzie are ever lasting. We will miss her joy of life in so many areas, and know she lives on with that spirit in you two. Stay safe and strong as she would want of you and let us know if we can assist in any way. Come visit our legacy healing project if that would help, anytime, as we are only 60 miles from the Springs.
Karen Absher
20 Aug 2020Dr Salcetti – was so shocked to hear of her sudden passing. She was my periodontist for 20+ years. I loved her upbeat spirit – her great sense of humor – her empathy and her professionalism. An amazing person! To Jeanne’s family I pray that you can find solace in your grief and that God can help you come to terms with this loss. And may Jeanne find peace – we all loved her so much and I will miss her so very very much. And may Kiyote find a loving family to care for him and help him his loss as well – they were very close. God Bless You all during this hard time.
Vanessa Renaud
21 Aug 2020Dr. Salcetti was my inspiration. I remember when I first met her I was in awe. She was the first female dentist I had ever met. She was always full of energy and encouragement for all. She will deeply missed. May you rest in peace.
Dr. David Hartman
21 Aug 2020Jeanne was the first female member of our Dental study club, The Denver Academy of Clinical Dentistry. As she did in other areas of our profession, she contributed so much to our group. She will be missed.
Dr David Doyle
3 Sep 2020It was our joy and good fortune to know Jeanne. Myself and my family will miss her electric enthusiasm, quick wit, and positive and genuine persona. We wish her family the deepest condolences and please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Connie Dalrymple
4 Nov 2020I just received word in the mail of my beloved Dr Salcetti’s passing I am beyond shocked and saddened by this news.
She was such an amazing woman, so full of life and compassion for her patients. Always having a special warm greeting whenever she encountered you.
I’ve lost a great Dr. and I considered her my friend after being seen in her office for years.
To her family and other friends, I give you my sincerest condolences for the loss of this beautiful woman.
Rest in peace Dr Salcetti