Anthony “Tony” Celentano
February 25, 1945 - August 13, 2024
Visitation: Friends received Friday August 16, 2024 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy
Service: Blessing Service Saturday at 11 AM at the funeral home
Anthony “Tony” Celentano, born on February 25, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 13, 2024, at the age of 79. A devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Tony leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and dedication.
Tony is survived by his beloved wife of almost 57 years, Laura Celentano. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they raised a beautiful family, filled with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will carry on his memory.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Emily and Emil Celentano; his brother, Emil “Mel” Celentano; and his son, Anthony Celentano II. Despite these losses, Tony’s heart remained full as he continued to embrace life with his family.
Tony is survived by his loving children: Lisa Labrakopoulos (George), Paula Blatz (the late John Blatz), and Laura Celentano (Keith). He was the cherished grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Amanda Fleissner (Matthew), Cassandra Pearsall (Elnathan), Maria Patterson (Greg), Tylor Celentano (Eliza), Nicholas Labrakopoulos, Anthony Celentano III, Victoria Blatz (Tony), Alex Celentano, Ashley Blatz, Brittney Blatz, Brenda Blatz, Isabella Celentano, and Leo Labrakopoulos. His joy was further enriched by his eight great-grandchildren: Ryker, Finnley, Adrianna, Savannah, Michael, Wesley, Elleana, and Matthew.
Tony is also survived by his brother, Thomas Celentano (Beverly), with whom he shared a lifelong bond.
Tony graduated from George Westinghouse High School in 1962, where he delved into the world of carpentry briefly. He then dedicated 25 years of his life serving as a correctional officer for the New York Department of Corrections on Rikers Island. He lived in Brooklyn for 48 years before relocating to Pittsburgh PA in 1993. His commitment to public service continued when he retired from the Port Authority in 2011 after 11 years as a foreman, where his leadership and work ethic left an indelible mark.
A man of many passions, Tony was the proud owner of a 1964 Pontiac GTO, a prized possession that he boastfully exhibited at car cruises every summer, all summer long. His GTO won numerous awards, a testament to his meticulous care and love for classic cars.
Tony will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on through the stories, laughter, and love he leaves behind. His family and friends will forever cherish the memories of a life well-lived.
Rest in peace, Tony. Your legacy will endure in the hearts of those you touched.
Friends received Friday August 16, 2024 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy. Blessing Service Saturday 11 AM at the funeral home.
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To Tony’s family: Pleasure knowing him as well as working with him at Port Authority. Will miss him.
Aunt Laura, Lisa, Paula & Laura Ann,
My heart is broken to hear of Uncle Tony’s passing. I have fond memories of my summer in Brooklyn and Tony’s kind and gentle spirit. Sending lots of love to you all!
Anthony to me was always a gentle soul, As children, I loved going to visit my cousins. It was a happy time, a special time when you were free to be a child. Cousins are very special, Anthony will always be forever in my thoughts and prayers. For sure riding around heaven in his GTO. 🙏🏻
Cousin Pat & Tom
With Deepest Condolences to the family. I will forever have the greatest memories of all of us working in Corrections. May you rest in eternal peace my brother. Until we meet again in Gods kingdom
Do you still have my big green glass marble?
Lisa, George and family… I am so very sorry for your loss. Tony must have been an amazing man by the sounds of this beautiful tribute. May her rest in eternal peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
When my parents and I went to visit Aunt Emily and Uncle Mimi, Tony and I would play downstairs and always had a lot of fun. We were only a few years apart.
I remember driving on 65th Street with Tony and Laura in his car going to Laura’s house. They weren’t married at that time. We used to play handball together, he never used a glove and I did. We played with a little black ball and my hand was hurting afterward but not his. Unfortunately, I don’t remember much more. I know he was great guy, Even though I hadn’t seen Tony and Laura for awhile, I will surely miss him and I will keep him in my prayers.
I send my love, and condolences to the family, Laura, the children and grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I am so sorry we lost a wonderful family member and man.
St. Peter will be welcoming him at the gate.
Laura and family,
My heart hurts for all of you. Uncle Tony was an amazing man. When my father passed away Uncle Tony had so many kind words for a lost 15 year old boy. I still carry those words with my today. I can only hope that my father is waiting with open arms to welcome his friend. May he rest in peace. You will be on my mind and in my prayers. I’m sorry I can not make it there to pay my respect. Lord knows Uncle Tony deserves it.
Dear Laura and Family,
With deepest sympathy for the loss of Anthony. I always remember him as such a funny person at family gatherings. Love to you and your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Camille🙏❤️
i will always remember cousin Anthony taking my sisters and I for rides in his fast car in Brooklyn. He was a kind and Gentle Giant to me. My Mom and Dad (Katie and Joe)loved him. Now Anthony is taking everyone in Heaven for rides in his classic cars forever.
My heart is heavy with this news. Such a good cousin, I will always remember all the years growing up together and all the love. I love you Anthony..Rest in peace with your mom and dad, your son and Mel..
Rest in peace my cousin Tony 💙💙
I have so many wonderful memories of my Celentsno and Franzo cousins, coming to spent some time with us in East Syracuse during the summers of our youth. The laughter and fun was amazing. Cousin Laura, please accept the condolences of the Central New York branch of the Celentano family. We have many, many memories of you and Anthony spending time with us. We will always remember those wonderful times. Rest In Peace, Anthony. We all loved you very much. ❤️🙏🙏❤️