Bernard Joseph Celso

Bernard J. Celso

Newark---Bernard Joseph Celso, 82, went to the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8) on Monday (June 2, 2008) at his daughter's home in Stanley, New York.

Friends may call from 2-4 & 7-9 PM on Thursday (June 5th) at the Paul L. Murphy & Sons Funeral Home, 127 East Miller Street, Newark. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by his son Father B. Thomas Celso at 11 AM on Friday (June 6th) at St. Michael's Church, South Main Street, Newark. Burial will be in East Newark Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to St. Michael's Church, 401 South Main Street, Newark, New York 14513.

Bernard was born May 3, 1926 in Clyde the son of Vito and Madeline (Marro) Celso, the twelfth of fourteen children. A sergeant in the Army Air Corps, Bernie flew as a ball turret gunner in a B-24 Liberator during World War II. On August 23, 1947, he married the love of his life Katherine Ross. He and his brothers ran a dry cleaning business in Newark for several years. After urban renewal acquired their building, he worked fourteen years at Xerox. He was a faithful communicant of St. Michael's Church. Bernie was an extraordinary minister of the Holy Eucharist. He and his wife Kathy played guitar for the Folk Group and sang together in the choir. He was proud to sing the "Alleluia" from Handel's "Messiah" for Easter celebrations. Bernie helped to start the Ministry of Praise at St. Michael's and also had a prison ministry. In the seventies, Bernie and Kathy held Reality Group and bible study meetings in their home. They were also active in Cursillo, Family Camp at Stella Maris, Seminars at Notre Dame and Prayer Cenacle. Bernie was a past Grand Knight and member of the Newark Council Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed being an actor with the Newark Players.. He especially enjoyed long walks, coffee with friends and watching EWTN.

Bernie had a deep devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Katherine, three sons Rev. B. Thomas of Newark, Daniel (Meg) of Irondequoit, Timothy (Kathy) of Jupiter, Fl., two daughters Michele Celso of Auburn and Mary (Steve) Seely of Stanley; eleven grandchildren: Joshua, Jacob, Jessica, Jeremy, Andy, Jeanne, Abigail, Sarah, Mat, Chris and Mary Grace, two great grandsons Jeffrey and Ryan; his sisters Mary Pizzillo of Canandaigua and Lucy Lawrence of Los Angeles, sister-in-laws Florence and Tina Celso, many nieces, nephews and many, many friends. He is predeceased by is brothers Ben, Rocco, Thomas, Anthony, Richard and sisters Emma Celso, Margaret Greco, Jane Sebastian, Theresa Carpenter, Lena Zappia and Virginia DeMarco.

Remembrances may be sent to www.murphyandsonsfuneralhome.com

To: Democrat & Chronicle Paul L. Murphy & Sons

127 East Miller Street

Newark, New York 14513

Account 282080

Phone 315-331-3255

Fax 315-331-0515

Run on: 6/4

Celso, Bernard J.

Newark---Bernard Joseph Celso, 82, went to the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8) on June 2, 2008. Bernie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Katherine, three sons Rev. B. Thomas of Newark, Daniel (Meg) of Irondequoit, Timothy (Kathy) of Jupiter, Fl., two daughters Michele Celso of Auburn and Mary (Steve) Seely of Stanley; eleven grandchildren, two great grandsons; his sisters Mary Pizzillo of Canandaigua and Lucy Lawrence of Los Angeles, sister-in-laws Florence and Tina Celso, many nieces, nephews and many, many friends. He is predeceased by his brothers Ben, Rocco, Thomas, Anthony, Richard and sisters Emma Celso, Margaret Greco, Jane Sebastian, Theresa Carpenter, Lena Zappia and Virginia DeMarco.

Friends may call from 2-4 & 7-9 on Thursday (June 5th) at the Paul L. Murphy & Sons Funeral Home, 127 East Miller Street, Newark. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by his son Father B. Thomas Celso at 11 AM on Friday at St. Michael's Church, South Main Street, Newark. Burial will be in East Newark Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to St. Michael's Church, 401 South Main Street, Newark, New York 14513.

Remembrances may be sent to www.murphyandsonsfuneralhome.com