Obituary of David Celeste

David Celeste passed away on November 19^th 2024 at the age of 98.  Dave is survived by sons David, Mark (Debbie) and Wayne (Kimberly), nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren with one on the way.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years Marie (Racioppi), and his son Gary.

Dave was born in Newark, NJ in February of 1926 to Patsy and Concetta Celeste.  Dave was the 4^th of nine children, and always had great stories to tell of growing up in Newark.  Playing stickball on Parker Street with his brother Johnny, shooting marbles on the sidewalk with his cousin Lydia, getting penny-candy with his father at Sam the grocer’s, stealing a sip of wine from his grandfather on the front porch, or sneaking cigarettes with his brothers in the back alley were fond memories of the early days.  
 

Dave’s fondest memory was of meeting his future wife Marie on a blind date set up by his best friend Ralph.  “Dave and Marie” were paired for life, and were on the path to raise their “Four Boys” and enjoy spending their lives together.

Dave was mechanically inclined, and this led him to completing a tool-and-die maker apprenticeship program at General Motors New-Departure Hyatt Roller Bearing plant in Harrison, NJ.   He was always a perfectionist, and in his later years, this earned him the title of “Ol’ micrometer eye” from his kids.  His skill and dedication to his craft served him well in his successful career at GM, through his retirement in 1982.  (Yes, Dave has been retired since 1982!)

In retirement, he lived his dream of building a log home in the mountains, and this brought he and Marie to the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania.  The “House in Wyalusing” was made into a home by Dave and Marie.  This was a place for family gatherings with many fond memories of spending time with Mom & Dad / Grandma & Grandpa.  

As a father / grandfather / great-grandfather, he always offered no-nonsense advice and guidance when needed.  He enjoyed coaching PAL baseball, teaching his kids how to work a garden, ride bikes and later to drive cars.  He enjoyed working in his gardens, listening to country music, and watching baseball.  He loved his family, and he always looked forward to spending time with them.  We will miss him.