Anthony Celso, 94, of Hamden, husband of Dorothy Erickson Celso, passed away peacefully Friday January 31, 2014 at Hamden Health Care Center with his family by his side. Born in New Haven, he was the son of the late Nicola and Concetta Scavone Celso. He served in the US Army from 1941 to 1945 as a Staff Sergeant in the Military Police at Scott Field in Chicago as well as The European Campaign in North Ireland, England, Germany and France. In 1949 he purchased land in Hamden on which he, his father and his brothers built the house that was his home, with Dottie, for the last 63 years. The house was one of his greatest joys and he was always happiest if he had a project in the house or in the yard. A painter by trade, Tony worked for S. Russota and Son in Hamden for many years, and then began his own business, Celso Bros., Inc. with his brother Ernie. They enjoyed working together with their brother Sal, and built a wonderful reputation in the area until their retirement in 1993. In addition to working around his home, Tony loved a good time and was blessed with many good friends and a wonderful family all of whom shared parties and cookouts at home as well as weekend getaways, a cruise and trips to Florida and Bermuda. After his retirement he spent many an early morning with his coffee buddies at Whitney Donut Shop in Hamden. In addition to his wife, Tony is survived by his daughter Cynthia Celso and her husband William Cornelius of North Haven, step-grandaughter Beth White (Steven) and granddaughter Ellie of Lexington, KY. Also sister Frances Giannatasio of East Haven, and brothers Ernest (Lena) of West Haven, Salvatore of Milford and Lawrence of North Branford. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters Diana DeFusco, Marie DiBiaso and brothers Joseph, Nicholas and Robert. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Paul Monaco and the entire staff of Hamden Health Care for their compassionate care and concern over the last months.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Tuesday morning at 9:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 10:00. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Monday from 5 to 8 pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Hamden Health Care Recreational Fund, 1270 Sherman Ave., Hamden, CT 06514.
What a wonderful story of your Dad's life….Great memories will survive. Our thoughts and prayers our with all of you. love, Ronny and Robin
I will always have the memories of you picking me up at Grandmas house,telling me to hold on to the molding above the dining room arch into the living room, pushing me like I was on a swing..then you would walk away leaving me there! But I would always jump, Grandma would yell at you and we would both laugh! Thank you for that memory! Love you kiss my Dad and Ma for me. Love Cathy
Cindi Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this trying time. There are no words to relieve the hurt you are feeling. Hopefully you can find peace surrounded by your family and friends and all the wonderful memories you have. I know you loved your daddy.
I hope there's a kitchen in heaven so your Mom can cook you all those things you've been yearning for. Love you Dad.
What a wonderful man to have known. My condolences to the entire family.
Dear Dottie, Cindi, and George,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Thanksgiving and Easter will always bring with them such fond memories of Tony's outrageous stories and laughter, and his oh so innocent face as his hand drited beneath the tablecloth with forbidden table scraps for the dogs.
And of course there is the image of Tony on the couch after dinner with "his" Squirt, two kings communing, at rest with each other, at peace with the world.
Hoping that that peace is with you, i am sending love to you all.
Virginia
Tony was not only my friend but I considered him family. I will always have memories of us having early morning coffee together every day and chatting. I will say morning coffee is not the same without you as many of the morning coffee 'family' will agree. You were such a fun, outgoing, positive & thoughtful person. Always telling jokes, making us laugh and drawing pictures for so many of us. Dottie, Cindi, Bill and members of Tony's family I know that nothing can take away the sorrow you are feeling right now but know that Tony was a truly remarkable person and touched many lives. Tony I will miss you with all my heart. Rest In Peace My Friend till we meet again.
So sorry for your loss. I remember Tony well. Our prayers are with you.
Dottie & Cindi I am so sorry to hear the passing of Tony! He was such a joy and a blessing in my life! It was always a joy to go into Whitney donut shop to see him and to have coffee, with him along with listening to him telling his jokes just made my day! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Cindi.