Theresa “Teri” Chappell Celotto, 67, of New Haven passed away peacefully on Friday, January 13th, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer at her home with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of 16 years to Albert Celotto. Teri was born in New Haven on March 7, 1955 and was the daughter of the late Roy Lee and Jacqueline Giamo Chappell. Teri was a beautiful woman inside and out who had the unique gift of giving love, care, and compassion to anyone in need. She was a dedicated caregiver for over two decades working with terminally ill AIDS patients at Leeway Inc. before retiring. After retiring, Teri’s main focus was her family who she loved unconditionally. Teri was a beloved wife, mother, sister and mimi, that loved to dance, laugh, and enjoy the company of her family and friends. She loved the beach and her trips to the Gulf Shore. The best time of the year for Teri was the Christmas season, spending days decorating her home for her family to enjoy. If you knew Teri, you knew how much she loved to clean, Heaven will be a cleaner place now that Teri is there. Her family will miss enjoying Teri’s famous pistachio cake and fudge on every holiday and birthday. Besides her husband, she will also be lovingly remembered by her children Charles (Siobhon) Matakaetis, Lauren (James) Sheltman, Alex (Jessica) Maldonado; her stepchildren Charles (Lauren) Celotto and Catherine (Edward) Hales; five beautiful grandchildren; brothers Wayne (Natalie) Chappell, Roy (Donna) Chappell; sisters Jackie (Brian) Wilson, Jennielee (Art) Mercado; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She’s in the sun, the wind, and the rain, she’s in the air you breathe with every breath you take. She sings a song of hope and cheer, there’s no more pain, no more fear. You’ll see her in the clouds above, hear her whisper words of love, you’ll be together before long, until then listen for her song. (By Christy Ann Martine)
The visiting hours will be Wednesday, Jan. 18th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Family and friends are invited to go directly to the Promise Land Church of God, 240 Burwell Road, West Haven on Thursday morning, Jan. 19th at 10:00 to attend a funeral service. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.
I’ve known Teri and Al for about 19 years. I was blessed with talking with her daily with the intent of lifting her spirits but instead she lifted mine. Her courage, compassion and generosity were indescribable. I was a better person everytime we hung up. Yes you will be missed but you will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace.🙏.
Frank Esposito and Family
My beautiful cousin is at peace. Don’t remember how she died. Remember how she lived and the beautiful memories that she has left behind. Fly high honey. You are free! You have been in our hearts and prayers from the day of your diagnosis until you took your last breath. You will be forever our beautiful Angel. Love PattyAnn, as you always called me.
To the Celotto family,
Teri was such an amazing woman and my mother and I are still in disbelief that she is gone. Words can’t explain how caring and compassionate she was and how she would brighten up any room with her ray of light.
We first met her and her daughter Lauren at dancing school when we were children and we all hit it off. We will always remember her laugh, talks and her loving personality. Heaven has gain the most wonderful angel anyone could ever asked for. She will truly be missed and our thoughts and prayers goes out to Al, Lauren and the rest of her family.
R.I.P.
So sorry for your loss.Terri was a beautiful lady.RIP🙏🙏
To my big lil brother Albert know you will never walk alone. Teri gave me detailed instructions regarding you lol. Know that there will always be a white eggplant pie and a glass of cello at the table in honor of your Adi.
Love you my brother,
Frank
Roy and Donna I am so sorry for the loss of your sister/sister in law,may God give you strength and peace at this time. Much love Kathye ❤️
So sad. I recently ran into Terri. We exchanged phone numbers but unfortunately we never followed through with a phone call. Al I am so sorry for your loss. Terri had a beautiful positive way about her that she happily shared with her patients and she helped so many people move ahead. I am deeply saddened that she has left us. We will all meet again some day.. I hope that Terri has a nice clean area for us all to meet.
Al and Family,
Steve and I extend our deepest sympathies to you. We have lost one of our best friends while we were back door neighbors. Her spirituality, love and friendship will be sorely missed. Teri and I sometimes called ourselves Lucy and Ethel when we were together. Besides her own very clean home, at times, she would even help me clean. Always giving love, being helpful and loving her family, Teri was courageous in her battle. She truly was a blessing in our lives.