Charles S. "Chick" Celeste

CENTERVILLE —

Charles S. "Chick" Celeste, 91, of Centerville, formerly of North Attleboro and Medford, died at home on May 22, 2008, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with emphysema.

Chick is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kathleen "Kay" (McGrath) Celeste.

Born in Dorchester, on July 29, 1916, he was the son of the late Charles and Anna (Stanwood) Celeste.

Charles was a graduate of Medford High School, Class of 1934. A decorated World War II veteran, Mr. Celeste was a second lieutenant with the 637th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He was a commanding officer during the Philippine Liberation. He received a Purple Heart award for injuries during a battle in Luzon, Philippines in 1945. He also received the Presidential Award.

After the war, he went to work for the Gulf Oil Co. as plant supervisor in the New England and New York area. He retired from Gulf after 35 years of service. He also worked for Cape Cod Community College as a supervisor of buildings and grounds. He attended MIT at night for electronic engineering.

An avid model train collector, he enjoyed shooting, gardening, and was always building, repairing and inventing things. He was a past member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Victory Church for many years.

In addition to his wife, Charles is survived by his four children, Robert and (Susan) of Methuen, Cathy Karras and (John) of South Yarmouth, Richard and (Deborah) of Marstons Mills, and Paul and (Cindy) of Sandwich. He was also brother of the late Marjorie. He was loving grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of five.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at 11 a.m., in Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 S. Main St., Centerville. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, at 12:45.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to VNA of Cape Cod, 434 Route 134, Suite G-1, South Dennis, MA 02660.

johnlawrencefuneralhome.com