Frank Celia

Mr. Frank Celia, 103, of Utica, passed away in his own home, August 10, 2024.

Frank was born in Petrizzi, Province of Catanzaro, Italy, January 28, 1921, a son of the late Francesco and Teresa (Iaconantonio) Celia. He came to this country in 1929, at the age of 8, and settled in Utica, where he was raised and educated.

In 1941, he was accepted at Syracuse University, one year before graduating from Proctor High School in 1942. At Syracuse University, he joined the Army Reserves and the R.O.T.C., and went on active duty in March of 1943. In basic training, he suffered from a gun-shot wound to the face and spent the next four years, from 1943 to 1947 in Lawson General Hospital in Atlanta, GA and Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, PA, where he underwent extensive reconstructive surgical procedures to the face.

Between operations, Frank attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, by commuting everyday between surgical procedures. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1946, and Master of Science in Education in 1947, both from the University of Pennsylvania. He spent the next 31 years as a teacher and Administrative Assistant in the school district of Philadelphia.

On June 22, 1974, Frank was joined in marriage to the former Irene J. Karaszkiewicz, in St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, in Philadelphia. Frank and Irene shared over 36 loving years of marriage until Irene’s passing in 2007. Frank was once joined in marrage to June Kleiser, with whom he shared his three oldest children. After retiring from the school district in 1981, Frank returned to Utica and went into real estate, purchasing and managing rental properties.

Frank had a passion for music, especially the classics. He played the piano, accordion, and the flute. He was an accomplished musician. He also loved gardening. After spending a day in the classroom, he would come home and “unwind” in his garden. Frank was a proud member of Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Disabled American Veterans Stars and Stripes Post No. 82.

Frank is survived by his four children, Jessica and Robert Pasqualicchio of Utica, Ronald F. and Jillian Celia of Glenside, PA, Carol and Jim Haughton of Warminster, PA, and Robert and Diane Celia of Blue Bell, PA; several grandchildren and great grandchildren, including, Christian, Francesca, and Johnathan Pasqualicchio, who always enjoyed visiting with their grandpa, especially when they got to chance to play their musical instruments for him; many cousins and in-laws, including, Joan Celia of Utica and Saverio and Teresa Betro of Toronto, Canada, Edward Karaszkiewicz of PA, Beth Karaszkiewicz of Prospect Park, PA, and Robert Karaszkiewicz of Holmes, PA; many cousins, nieces, and nephews in New York, Pennsylvania, Italy, and Australia. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Irene Celia; former spouse, June Kleiser; cousins, Santo “Sam” Celia, Raffalena Cosintino; in-laws, Joan Karaszkiewicz, Joseph Karaszkiewicz, and Anthony “Tony” Karaszkiewicz.

Frank’s funeral service will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11 a.m., at The Matt Funeral Home. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on Monday, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica.

Frank’s family would like to thank his neighbors for their kindnesses throughout the years, especially Miss Nancy Petrie, Mr. and Mrs. Brendan Dunn, and Mrs. Catherine Caruso and family. They would also like to thank the Live Long at Home Agency, for all their help and support this year. Frank was a great lover of all creatures big and small, and supporter of many animal organizations.  Frank will be sorely missed by his cat, Dave.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Frank a donation can be made to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society, Spring Farm Cares, or any local animal charity.

Online memorials at www.MattFuneralHome.com

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