After Four-Plus Decades, Dr. Gerard A. Veltri, DDS, of Bridgeport, Officially Calls it a Wrap on Long Career
By Jeff Toquinto on February 19, 2026
It was back in the late 1970s or early 1980s when a young Gerard "Jerry" Veltri received his braces from Dr. Bill Pringle, an orthodontist, on Second Street in Clarksburg. As it turned out, it would be a catalyst for taking care of thousands of people over four decades.
“It just fascinated me. I knew, even then, I wanted to do something in medicine, and dentistry from that point forward started looking more to be the path to make a career,” said Veltri.
Veltri ended up on the path. He became Dr. Gerard A. Veltri DDS. Veltri stayed on that path for more than 41 years
On Wednesday, at 4 p.m., he stepped off the path in an official capacity. It was his last day at the office situated at 300 West Main Street.
“I was briefly with Dr. Frank Angotti before I joined Dr. (Dino) Colombo in 1985,” said Veltri of the business where he eventually became a partner for the entity that is now Veltri Family Dentistry. “For most of that time, I was on Court Street in Clarksburg.”
Last year, the location closed, and a new location opened. Even prior to the move to Bridgeport, Veltri was thinking about stepping down. Recently, he made the decision with his wife Susie, who has been by his side for every single year he has practiced.
“It’s time. Susie and I sat down and really talked about and prayed about it over the holidays,” he said. “We decided it was time.”
Veltri’s interest in medicine continued during his time at Notre Dame High School. It continued when he earned his undergraduate degree in biology at Fairmont State, and it continued when he enrolled in the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, where he graduated in 1985.
While his son Vince continues the practice bearing the family name, Gerard’s heading into dentistry was organic. His father, the late Sam Veltri, was an iconic Harrison County figure serving the community as a mailman.
“I was the first doctor in the family,” he said.
Thanks to Vince taking over, he will not be the last. In fact, Veltri said his son’s involvement has made an exceedingly difficult decision he 
knew he eventually would have to make a bit easier.
knew he eventually would have to make a bit easier.
“The day he stepped in as an associate of mine, I knew this was track I wanted. What’s made it more enjoyable is watching Vince take this business into the stratosphere,” said Veltri, who along with Vince has a daughter Ashley.
While family remains his top priority, his profession is right near the top of his list. And he said he never minded coming to work, day after day, year after year, and decade after decade.
“I just wanted to make a difference,” he said. “I wanted to make a difference to my employees and my patients. When talking to my wife, I told her I hoped that was the case.
“It’s tough at this very moment to think it’s over. I spent 41 years of my life doing it,” he continued. “I look back on my career and don’t’ regret a minute of it. The ups and down, the good or the bad, dentistry has been good to me, and I hope I have been to dentistry and that those I’ve worked with feel the same way.”
As for what is next, Veltri is not dropping out entirely from the game. He will fill in as needed at the office. He will also continue seeing his sleep apnea patients. The important thing, however, comes with a number seven attached.
“I have seven grandchildren, and being able to as much as possible with them played about 75 percent into this decision,” he said., “They’ll make this transition easier if they don’t wear me out.
“They’re my life, and I enjoy everyone of them,” he continued. “They’re a blessing to have them, which is the same as my career. It’s all been a blessing.”
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Dr. Gerard Veltri at his desk inside the Main Street location, while he is shown with son and fellow dentist Vince in the bottom photo.
