Antonina T. Celona

Antonina (Nina) Celona, affectionately known as “Auntie” to so many, was born in Providence in 1934 to the late John Celona and the late Theresa (Femino) Celona. She retired from the State of Rhode Island Office of the General Treasurer. Prior to state service she held post of sales manager at Lincoln Dimensional Tube, Inc., and previously held management positions in the banking industry and the savings and loan management field. She held an associate’s degree in accounting and management, and a senior banking certificate from the Savings and Loan Institute.

Nina poured her heart and soul into volunteerism and community involvement. She was the president of the Rhode Island Savings and Loan Institute as well as president, vice-president and treasurer throughout her many years of involvement with the RI Business and Professional Women’s Association. She was a member of the North Providence Booster’s Association and treasurer of the North Providence “Dollars for Scholars”. Nina was extremely committed to the St. Anthony’s Parish for many years. She served as a special minister of the Eucharist, was treasurer of the St. Anthony’s Feast Celebration, was a member of the St. Anthony’s counters, ran the St. Anthony Church bingo, volunteered at the Holy Family Home for Mothers and Children and belonged to the St. Anthony bowling league.

Although she spent countless hours in her career and volunteerism, anyone that knew Nina would tell you that her family was her number one priority. Nina lost her beloved sister Paula (Celona) Lupoli and her brother in law Joseph Lupoli. She is survived by her brother, Joseph Celona, her nieces and nephews Donna (Celona) St. Pierre and her husband Harry, Cynthia (Celona) Brazell and her husband Randy, Paul Celona and his late wife Zelia, Joanne Celona, Terri Lupoli and her husband Rich, Jennifer Wokoske and her husband Todd, Susan Brandies and her husband Josh, her great nieces and nephews Harold St. Pierre, Daniel St. Pierre and his wife Samantha, Joshua Ostalkiewicz and his wife Heather, the late Rebecca Ostalkiewicz, Samuel Ostalkiewicz, Tommy Celona and his wife Alexis, Ryan Celona, Sara Wokoske, Connor Wokoske, Ian Lupoli, Owen Lupoli, Zachary Brandies, Samuel Brandies and her great great nieces and nephews Liam St. Pierre, John, Pierce and Darcy Ostalkiewicz.

She was Auntie Nina by name, but “mom” and “grandma” to us all. She happily and gracefully stepped into these roles, providing guidance in her witty and loving way. We all drew strength from her tireless dedication to family, friends, community and faith. We feel beyond blessed to carry this strength into our everyday lives and pass her wisdom to our children.

Visitation will be held Friday, 9:30-10:30 in the PONTARELLI-MARINO Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence with PRIVATE burial in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers, donations made to St. Anthony’s Church Memorial Fund, 5 Gibbs Street, North Providence RI, 02904, in Nina’s name are greatly appreciated.