Obituary: Patricia A. Carta, D.M.D., 62; Longtime Middletown Dentist

From Biega Funeral Home

Patricia Ann (Leach) Carta, D.M.D., of Middletown, CT, beloved wife of Carl A. Carta for nearly 31 years, passed away on September 15, 2016, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born June 12, 1954 in Patterson, NJ, she was the daughter of Agnes (McDonough) Leach of Ridgewood, NJ and the late James Leach.

Patricia is survived by her daughters Kelly, Meghan, Laura, Jennifer, and son, Michael of Middletown whom she treasured and adored more than anything else in the world. In addition, Patricia is survived by her beloved sisters Mary Leach of Rochelle Park, NJ and Kathleen Leach of Ridgewood, NJ; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Anne and John Gauthier of Middletown; brother-in-law Robert Carta and his partner Michael Icenhour of Charlotte, NC; nephews John and Matthew Gauthier and niece Cara Carlini. Patricia also leaves behind many dear friends whom she cherished like family.

Patricia was an unbelievably gifted, brilliant and ambitious woman who valued her education and was determined to succeed in a male-dominated world.

Patricia attended Lafayette College from 1972-1976, attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Biology. She continued her education at Rutgers Dental School where she attained a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1979, one of a few women to do so at that time. She studied an additional two years at Rutgers Dental School to obtain her specialization in Pediatric Dentistry.

Patricia, or Dr. Pat as she was more commonly known to her patients, began her dental career as an Associate pediatric dentist at the office of Drs. Robert Schreibman and Robert Jung in Glastonbury, CT in 1981. While working as an Associate dentist, she also held an Adjunct Faculty position in the Pediatric Dental Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford, CT.

Shortly thereafter, Dr. Pat became Board Certified as a Diplomate of The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

In 1985, Dr. Pat opened her own solo pediatric dental practice in Middletown, where she has remained for the past 30 years. Dr. Pat truly cherished her many patients and staff members and always felt like her office was her second home.

Over the course of her career, Patricia exemplified the ability to balance both work and family, as she was vibrantly active in her children’s lives while being fully committed to her many patients. Patricia also spent as much time as she could with the love of her life, Carl, planning weekend getaways or simply going out to dinner.

Patricia also firmly believed in giving to others and touched many lives with her generosity and loving heart.

The family would like to extend the warmest heartfelt thank you to Patricia’s outstanding oncology nurses at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT for their unbelievable support, comfort, love, and compassionate care. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Abbie and Sister Sue.

The family will receive visitors in celebration of Patricia’s life on Monday (Sept. 19th) at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown from 4 to 8 p.m. Her Funeral Liturgy will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Elm St., Middletown. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Patricia’s name may be made to Mercy High School, 1740 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT, 06457.

To leave online condolences, visit Biega Funeral Home here.