Dr. Anthony E. Billett, retired Oral Surgeon formerly of Youngstown, OH, died of Alzheimer's disease complications on Saturday, October 27th in Springfield, VA. He was 84. Born to Rosa Catherine Dailey and Nicholas Billett Nov. 27, 1922 in Youngstown Ohio, he was a graduate of Boardman High School in 1941. He entered Muskingham College in 1942 and then enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 1943. After receiving an honorable discharge from the service in January 1945, he entered Ohio State University and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Dentistry. He did a 1-year internship at Youngstown Hospital under the direction of Dr. William James and then went on to complete his degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Northwestern University in 1955. He finished his formal training with a 1-year residency in Oral Surgery at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and did graduate work under the renowned Dr. Harry Archer at the University of Pittsburg. Dr. Billett was a pioneer and major contributor to the field of Oral Surgery. He was internationally active as a Dental Clinician for Project Hope in Ecuador as well as a guest lecturer at the University of Quito. He was the founder of the General Practice Dental Residency at Youngstown Hospital Association, which is still in existence today at the Forum Medical Health Center. As a result of his efforts and guidance, the program increased to 4 1st-year residents and 1 2nd-year resident. He was an active member of the Board of Directors for the Mahoning County American Cancer Society, serving on the education committee as well as the Chapter President from 1978-1980. He was also the Chairman of the Dental Division of the North East Ohio area Cancer Day Symposium held at that time. He received the Pursell - Herbert award given to outstanding Dental Clinicians in Ohio. He was a nationally recognized lecturer on Oral Surgery and a member of the Presidents Club at Ohio State University. Dr. Billett started his oral surgery practice in downtown Youngstown in the Central Tower Building. In the early 60's, he built an office and moved his practice to 528 West Indianola Ave. He was an innovator in the of use general anesthesia in the office and employed two nurse anesthetists, Elinore Begalla and Mary Agnew He built his final office at 7381 California Ave. in Boardman where he retired in 1995. Dr. Billett was an active member of the community and dental profession donating his time and giving support to: the American Dental Association, International and American Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Association, Great Lakes Society of Oral Surgeons, Corydon Palmer Dental Society, Italian Scholarship League where he was a founding board member and Man of the Year in 1987, and Past President of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Vestibule Club. Dr. Billett was an avid sports enthusiast playing football and baseball in high school and later served as a football scout with the NFL's LA Rams under Jack Faulkner. Through his football affiliations, he brought several professional coaches and athletes to the Youngstown area for various community functions. He was a passionate golfer and served on the Board of Directors of Tippecanoe Country Club, was Chairman of the American Cancer Society Gold Tournament, was an active member of the YMCA Golf League and played many benefit tournaments. He enjoyed boating and fishing, catching a prize Tarpon in Florida's Gulf Coast on January 5, 1976 weighing 123 lbs and 72" long aboard "Robin Hood" with Captain Gilboy. Dr. Billett is survived by a son, Brian Anthony, his wife Joyce and their children: Vincent, Dominique and Gabriella of Vienna,VA and a daughter, Cindi Marie, her husband Kevin and their daughter Kiera of Redmond,WA. He has 2 sisters, Phyllis Peterson and Marie Cerni, and 2 brothers, James and Donald Billett. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers: Dominic, Jimmy and William Billett. Please Make Contributions in his name to the American Cancer Society http:/www.cancer.org; 800-ACS-2345 or the Alzheimer's Association http:/www.alz.org/; 800-272-3900. Family will receive friends at Fox Funeral Home at 4700 Market St. on Friday November 2nd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Saturday November 3rd, a memorial service and the burial will be held.