James S. Celeste, Jr., 91
Dateline: Norton, MA
James S. ”Papa” Celeste, Jr. 91, of Norton formerly of Hyde Park died on Monday July 28, 2008 at the Franklin Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Franklin, MA. He was the beloved husband of the late Rosaria J. (Gulino) Celeste to whom he was wed for 51 years at the time of her death on January 12, 1995.
Born in Boston, MA on January 11, 1917 he was a dear son of the late James S. and Emma L. (DeFerrare) Celeste, Sr.
He grew up in Brighton and was a 1938 graduate of the Training School for Teachers of Mechanical Arts. He served in the United States Army during WWII and was honorably discharged with the rank of First Sergeant. He was a member of the 101st Infantry Veterans Association and a former member of the 26th Yankee Division.
Mr. Celeste was a retired teacher in the Industrial Arts Department for the Boston Public School System where he was employed for over 30 years prior to retirement. He was a member of the Boston Teacher’s Union and its retired teacher’s chapter.
A resident of Norton for the past 31 years he had formerly lived in Hyde Park for many years. Since making his home in Norton he was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church and served as a former umpire for the Norton Little League Association.
While living in Hyde Park he was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church where he enjoyed singing in the church choir. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Chittick Council in Hyde Park.
An exceptionally friendly person, Mr. Celeste’s hobbies included gardening and bowling. He was a loyal Red Sox enthusiast and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his devoted son Frederick J. Celeste, Sr. and his wife Diane of Norton, his loving grandchildren Kristin M. McFetters and her husband George “Butch” of Columbia, Missouri, Frederick J. Celeste, Jr. and his wife Faith of Warwick, R.I., James S. Celeste, III and his wife Jennifer of Attleboro and Kelly M. Celeste of Springfield, his cherished great grandchildren Elizabeth, Meghan, Kyle, Adrianna, Brendan, Lucas and Zachary. He was the brother of the late John I. Celeste and the late William A. Celeste, also survived by several nieces and nephews.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Friday August 1st at 9:00 A.M. from the Norton Memorial Funeral home 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton followed by a mass of Christian burial celebrated at 10:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church 133 South Worcester St. Norton. Burial with military honors will follow in the Norton Common Cemetery, Norton.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday July 31st from 5-8 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the Celeste family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Franklin Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 130 Chestnut St. Franklin, MA 02038.
For additional information please visit www.nortonmemorial.com