Anthony Edward Celeste was born April 14, 1929, in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was the eldest of four boys to Nicola and Catherine Celeste. Tony, as he was known to family and friends, was raised in a humble, Catholic home with his brothers, Nick and Jimmy. Throughout high school, Tony worked as a gas station attendant and at the age of 21, was drafted into the Army to serve his country during the Korean war. After spending 2 years in Germany, he returned home and began working at the Hoboken terminal of the Lackawanna Railroad. The experiences Tony gained in those short years paved the path for his lifelong hobby, Amateur radio, and career as an electronics test engineer with the Bendix Corporation.
Tony met the love of his life, Mary, while he was in boot camp. A serendipitous flirtation on the carousel at Palisades Park blossomed into a nearly 70 year-long love affair. They were married on April 25, 1954, and honeymooned in Miami, Florida. They settled down in Wayne, NJ, where they raised their four children, Anthony, Carol, Edward and Catherine. They were a hardworking, middle-class family who were active in their community and church. In 1990, Tony and Mary decided to retire in Virginia Beach and split their time between grandkids and travel. Together they traveled across America, Europe and the Caribbean.
Tony was proud to be part of The Greatest Generation, a child of immigrants who instilled a love for family, hard work and a firm belief in the American Dream. Amateur Radio was a large part of Tony’s life. Tony held an Amateur Radio license for over 70 years and formed lifelong friendships with fellow enthusiasts from all over the world. As a member of the local Amateur Radio club, he provided emergency communications during marathons and local festivals. “W2KBA, Whiskey 2 Kilo Bravo Alpha.” was his call sign and everyone knew it was Tony.
Tony also played many roles in the church. He wasn’t just a parishioner; he was an usher, Eucharistic minister, member of the Men's Club and chauffeur to Mary while she was in the Legion of Mary. He volunteered weekly at BINGO nights, spaghetti dinners and fundraisers. His faith and devotion to God transcended down into all aspects of his life.
You really witnessed the softer side of Tony when he spent time with his grandkids and great grandkids. Many family pictures showed him holding a baby or playing with one of them. He actively participated in their silly games or pranks and was always up for a good laugh. He was a good sport even when he was the source of amusement for others.
Tony built a beautiful life for himself and his family here on this earth, and we are so blessed to have had him for 93 years. He once told us that God forgot about him, but we know He didn’t forget. God always has a plan and knew we needed Tony around just a little longer. Well, you don’t have to wait anymore. Looks like God remembered ya Pops. You can go see Mary now. Tell her to “Put the coffee on”.
Anthony Celeste passed away on July 22, 2022, joining his loving wife, Mary and devoted daughter, Carol in eternal Heaven. He is survived by his brother, Nicholas Celeste; son, Anthony Celeste, his wife, Kamelia and their children, Anthony and Adelina; son in-law, Michael Phillip Berry and children, Michael Anthony Berry, his wife, Stacey and their children, Victor, Julian, Troy and Clara; Christopher Berry; Desirae Querrard, her husband, Shawn and their children, Jacob, Emmalyn, Coralie and Charlotte; son Edward Celeste; daughter Catherine (Celeste) Waters, her husband, William and their son Andrew and fiancé Hailey, as well as nieces, nephews and friends who are now left to cherish his memory.
