Nicholas G. Celone

October 17, 2021

Nicola G. Celone (Nicholas, Nick, Nicky, Big C, and Dad) passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at the age of 78, in his hometown of West Haven, CT at the VA Medical Center. On that day he joined his parents Louis A Celone and Rose Celone in heaven. Despite Nick’s recent diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer, he was committed to living and fighting this disease with grit and grace. He was a fighter, hero, friend, loving partner, and devoted family patriarch.

Nick is survived by his older brother Louis A. Celone; his beloved daughter, son and their spouses: Sherlyn Celone-Arnold (Robert Arnold) and Nicholas (Nick) Celone (Shannon Helm), his beautiful baby granddaughter (Maye Rose Celone), his committed partner (Eileen Britton Morris), and his longtime friend and former wife (Sherrie Celone) as well as loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Nick believed in family and the value of friendship. He loved and appreciated all who walked with him in this journey we call life.

Nick was easy going but lived life to the fullest. This included spending time with family and friends whether it be playing softball as a young adult, to playing cards on Friday nights, going on vacations with family, taking his nieces and nephews on day excursions to theme parks, to going to the casino or the horse races, to getting pizza in New Haven, and following UCONN Women’s Basketball over the years! He was a lifelong athlete who demonstrated great sportsmanship in everything he did. His career as an athlete began by playing Football for West Haven High (1959 - 1962). Over the years, Nick enjoyed playing horseshoes with his cousins, to coaching little league softball, and being the “videographer” for his daughter’s and son’s sport teams during their teenage years. Nick was loved by all, and his smile and laughter were infectious! He was an amazing dancer, loved music from the 50s-60s era, and enjoyed watching good movies with his loved ones. He also had a passion for cars, specifically Corvettes and Lincolns; he cherished his ‘69 Stingray called “Goldie Locks.”

Nick worked at Yale University for more than 40 years where he was a Supervisor of Custodial Services. He made and cherished many friendships there over the years and considered each one of them “family.” As an army veteran, Nick found peace transitioning to the Community Living Center at the VA in West Haven, CT. The VA held a special place in his heart; it was also around the corner where he grew up in his family home on Homeside Avenue.

Family and friends are invited to attend services on Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Christ Bread of Life Perish, 321 Circular Ave, Hamden, CT. Calling hours will be from 11am - 12pm and a mass will follow at 12pm. A veteran’s burial ceremony will be at 2pm at the Connecticut Veterans’ Cemetery located at 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date when family from out of town can join us.