Francis Xavier Celeste, devout Catholic
Francis Xavier Celeste, 78, of Ocean View, formerly of Annapolis, Md., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md.
Frank was born in New York City, N.Y., June 15, 1940, son of the late John Carl and Mildred (Vurchio) Celeste. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Frank received his bachelor’s degree in history from Farleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, N.J., and his master’s degree in political science from Fordham University in the Bronx, N.Y.
Frank briefly taught history and political science at Farleigh Dickinson University and then at Anne Arundel Community College. He spent the majority of his career as a budget analyst, first for the Department of Defense, and then retiring from the National Security Agency in 2004 after 33 years of service.
As his children were growing up, Mr. Celeste served as a Little League coach and soccer coach with the Green Hornets in Severna Park, Md. He later faithfully served his community by volunteering his time with several organizations in the area. He was the deputy grand knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 9053 in Ocean City, Md., and also served as the membership chairman. He was a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge 2474 in Ocean City, and the Mason Dixon VFW Post 7234 in Ocean View.
Frank had a deep devotion to his Catholic faith, and was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Ocean City, and volunteered with the Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Ocean City. He was also an animal lover, and enjoyed spending time with his family. Frank will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Adrienne Elizabeth (Campora) Celeste; and three sons, John Celeste and his wife Christine of Pasadena, Md., Francis Celeste of Salisbury, Md., and Peter Celeste and his wife Jordan of Winter Park, Fla. Frank is also survived by two granddaughters, Sophia and Francesca Celeste; two sisters, Prudence Murphy and her husband James of Plymouth, Mass., and Camille Sambor and her husband Ralph of Farmington, Conn.; and Frank’s beloved dog, Lucy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m., Monday, Sept. 17, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 9903 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, where friends and family may call after 2 p.m. Interment will be held at a later date at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Frank’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
