Albert Frank Cella

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Al was proud of his New York roots and his Italian heritage. His mother and her family immigrated to the United States from Italy, and family remained the center of Al’s life throughout his years.

At just 17 years old, Al volunteered to serve in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War era aboard the USS O’Hare—a Gearing class destroyer. He completed his service and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1967, returning home to New York. In 1969, he met Margaret—the woman with whom he would share the rest of his life. Along the way, Al and Margaret experienced many adventures, including attending Woodstock—a memorable event from a remarkable time that remained a highlight of Al’s life story.

Al and Margaret married in 1973 and soon moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where they built their life together and raised their two daughters, Noelle and Allie. Al took up work in Jacksonville as a heavy equipment manager with Ring Power and later spent more than 20 years with Hubbard Construction. His work afforded him the flexibility to take his daughters on field trips and spend afternoons with them after school—opportunities Al treasured. Al’s open-mindedness and relatability, along with his natural warmth and effortless ability to connect with others, served him well in managing the varied cast of characters he encountered throughout his career.

Outside of work, Al was a devoted NASCAR fan who made trips to the Daytona 500, an avid fan of boxing and UFC, and a longtime Jacksonville Jaguars season ticketholder. His loyalty to the Jaguars stretched back decades and, during the team’s 20th season, Al was selected for special recognition at a Jaguars game—a memorable moment for Al and his family.

The most important parts of Al’s life, however, were not measured by his work or the teams he cheered for—they were measured by the people he loved and how he loved them. Al treasured time with his family, whether gathering together at home, visiting relatives, or simply spending an afternoon at the beach or by the pool—especially with Addison and Macie, his granddaughters and the lights of his later years. To them, Al was “Papá”—an ironically fancy nickname for the tough, T-shirt-wearing, Brooklyn-raised former boxer and sailor. The time Addison and Macie shared with their Papá—ordinary days as much as special occasions—will remain among their most cherished childhood memories.

Al was also an adored uncle—a “funcle,” in fact—who occupied a special place in the lives of his nieces and cousins along with Margaret’s extended family in New York. Al’s family will always remember him as supportive and caring—always prioritizing contact and connection. Al loved his family generously, loyally, and unconditionally.

Al was preceded in death by his father, Vincent Cella; his mother, Jean Scalise; his brothers, Frank Cella, Vincent Cella, and Larry Costilow; and his life-long best friend, Robert Astorino.

He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Margaret Cella; his daughters, Noelle (Brad) and Allie; and his granddaughters, Addison and Macie, who will forever know and remember him as Papá. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces, cousins, extended family, and many others whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Al will be remembered for his big heart, his loyalty to the people he loved, and the steadfast and warm presence he provided to his family. He was a husband, a father, a Papá, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a veteran, and a friend. He will be deeply missed, but the memories, stories, laughter, and love he leaves behind will carry forward in the family he spent his life keeping close.

A memorial service and a celebration of Al’s life will be held in New York at a later date.

Those wishing to honor Al’s memory are invited to make a donation to GO2 for Lung Cancer at the following link: https://events.go2.org/campaigns/In-Loving-Memory-of-Albert-Cella