Thomas A Gelardi - Gallery of Honor

Dr. Thomas A. Gelardi will always be admired as a visionary with an uncompromising commitment to his principles. In 1973 he fulfilled a long-standing dream of establishing a college dedicated to advancing a chiropractic profession centered on location and correction of vertebral subluxation. That college was Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic. Dr. Gelardi founded the college and served as its president until his retirement in 1996.

A native of New York, Dr. Gelardi attended Palmer School of Chiropractic, where he studied under Dr. Lyle Sherman. Dr. Sherman’s work in the area of upper cervical analysis and adjusting had a profound influence on Dr. Gelardi, and he would frequently visit Dr. Sherman for discussion and instruction. In Gelardi’s senior year, Dr. Sherman moved to Spartanburg, SC, to establish a practice. After his graduation in 1957, Gelardi established a practice in nearby Gaffney to continue his mentorship with Dr. Sherman.

By the early 70’s Gelardi made a firm commitment to start a new chiropractic college and began to develop support among others who shared his vision. He has devoted his life to helping the college grow and develop philosophically, politically, and physically.

Words cannot adequately describe the time, effort, money, energy and personal spirit Dr. Gelardi has given to the profession through his unselfish work for ShermanCollege. One could honestly say that if it were not for his efforts, ShermanCollege, and straight chiropractic as we know it today, would not exist.

Admired by many, Dr. Gelardi has received numerous honors and awards including being named Chiropractor of the Century by the Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations, designated a Fellow of the College of Straight Chiropractic, and named Chiropractor of the Year by ShermanCollege in 1997.

Dr. Gelardi’s wife, Betty, and three of his children are also chiropractors and graduates of Sherman College.

Articles by and about Dr. Gelardi:

Standing alone for what you believe in by Dr. Thom Gelardi

Paying tribute to Dr. Thom Gelardi by Dr. Terry A Rondberg

Chiopractic Philosphy Speaker Forum Biography

A Healing Touch - Sandlapper Magazine