Lawrence N. Celso of North Branford left us on March 7, 2014, to journey to his God, his parents, and the family and friends who had left before him and who are hopefully welcoming him into Heaven.  Free now from all pain and sickness, he passed very peacefully with his daughters and son by his side.  Born March 22, 1933 in New Haven, he was the son of the late Nicola and Concetta Scavone Celso.  Educated locally, he responded to his country's call to duty and faithfully served in the US Air Force during the Korean War.  Upon his return to the US he wanted to serve his hometown and neighbors and thus began working for the New Haven Police Department as a patrol officer, rising through the ranks and retiring as a Detective Sergeant.  He is survived by his daughters Beth Tyrrell and her husband Wayne of North Haven, Donna Lougal and her husband Phil Corso of New Haven, Susan Weiss and her husband Martin of Woodstock and son Mark Celso of Denver, Colorado.  He took extreme pride from the lives and endeavors of his grandchildren, Natasha Lougal and her fiancé Josh Feldman, Kelly Tyrrell and Stephanie Tyrrell.  He also leaves behind his adoring cat and companion Rusty. He will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews near and far and he is also fondly remembered and leaves behind his former wife Marie Celso and his best friend Val White and Val's family who were so helpful during Larry's final days with us.  He is further survived by his sister Frances Giannatassio of East Haven his brother Ernest and wife Lena Celso of West Haven, as well as his brother Salvatore of Milford.  His sisters Diana DeFusco and Marie Dibiaso, along with his brothers Anthony, Joseph, Nicholas and Robert predeceased him but were always in his thoughts.  Larry was also an accomplished painter of still life, lighthouses, and landscapes.  Many of his beautiful examples hang proudly in the homes and businesses of so many people who he met in his retirement.  Please enjoy them and hold them dear, as each painting was a part of his soul and a gift that will continue to bring joy to all who view them. A master woodworker and carpenter,  he made everything from hand carved wall clocks and model boats, to building his own house!  He was always willing to lend a hand to friends and relatives whenever the need arose, never expecting anything in return. And if bringing murderers to justice, painting beautiful works of art, building homes and carving sculpture wasn't enough, he excelled in the kitchen and his Sicilian roots showed with every meatball and every tray of lasagna.  To those of you reading this who were fortunate enough to have tasted the same, join the rest of us who lament not freezing that last serving!  Larry was a Cop's cop and a superior Detective.  The family wants to thank the dozens of retired and current police officers who came to see him during his final days.  He was truly touched.  They also wish to thank the many caring nurses and staff at St. Raphael's and Yale as well as his personal physician, Dr. Liben.  Finally, the staff of CT Hospice in Branford were angels on Earth as he spent his final days there with dignity and grace.  He opted for no treatment.  He was a tough Italian Cop to the end.  He stared death in the face, shrugged his shoulders and said, "Is that all you got?"  He simply showed no fear.  Death did not defeat him, nor did it diminish his indomitable life force and spirit. It merely refocused his energy and soul to a new path which we will all travel someday.  It gives us comfort to know he is lighting the way for us.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Monday morning at 9:30.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Therese Church, North Haven at 10:00.  Entombment with full military honors will follow in the All Saints Mausoleum.  The visiting hours will be Sunday from 3 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for all to consider a donation to CT Hospice in Branford.www.obituaries.northhavenfuneral.com

 

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