Photo courtesy of Spinelli - Ricciuti Funeral Home - Ansonia
Ansonia, Connecticut
Sep 26, 1935 – Mar 14, 2026
ANSONIA: Celeste Rose (Vacca) Smith, age 90, a lifelong resident of Ansonia, entered eternal rest on March 14, 2026, at Masonicare at Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton, with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late James E. Smith.
Born in Derby on September 26, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Jennie (Vane) Vacca. Celeste was a graduate of Assumption School in Ansonia, Ansonia High School Class of 1953, and Stone Business School in New Haven. She was a homemaker who lovingly cared for her home and family. As she raised her family, Celeste also enjoyed joining her family’s business as a bridal consultant for Marie Antoinette Bridal Salon in Derby and later worked for some time at the former Service Merchandise in Derby. She was very proud of her Italian heritage and enjoyed passing down family traditions especially when hosting holidays. In her earlier years, Celeste was a singer and she loved listening to music. She was a devout communicant of Assumption Church in Ansonia. Celeste had a kind heart and a deep love for her animals. She was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and always cheered on her most favorite player, Derek Jeter.
Celeste leaves to cherish her memory, sons, James M. Smith of Ansonia, William N. Smith of Orange, and Nicholas C. Smith (Pamela Wilkie) of Stamford, daughters, Mary Ellen Powers (Timothy) of West Haven, Jennifer Appleby (John) of Colchester and Susan M. Smith of Derby, brother, Michael Vacca (Sue) of Hamden, grandchildren, Olivia Powers (Jason Petrillo), Victoria Smith, Jared Smith and Keegan Appleby along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Bishop Wicke for their wonderful care of Celeste.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 9:30-11:00 am in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. Her funeral will then proceed to Assumption Church in Ansonia for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am. Interment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. To sign Celeste’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinrlliricciutifh.com.
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God rest your soul, dear Celeste. We share the same middle name in honor of our grandmother.
Your loving cousin Tricia (Patricia Rose Mastrogiovanni Olla)
Patricia Olla
March 17, 2026 | Wauwatosa, WI | Family
Celeste , my dear cousin I`m sorry you you had to leave this world so early, May the Lord be with you and may you rest in peace ,Love cousin Buddy Newhouse ,Leesburg Florida.
Carl J Newhouse Sr. (1st Cousin )
March 17, 2026 | Leesburg, FL
Our hearts are with you all- Celeste was an amazing woman, and the absolute best friend to our sweet Rosalie - those two were sisters from the day they met . My Mom and Dad would always tell me how wonderful she was to the both of them, women like this are a special kind- devoted, loving, and true. I know how you must all feel because it hurts so much to lose someone so special , but how blessed to have had her in all of your lives . I know there was a special reunion in Heaven the other day,...
Lynn Wasilewski
March 17, 2026 | Derby, CT | Friend
Dear Mike and family.
What a great gal!
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on her passing.
Her lasting legacy is her family whom she loved dearly.
Tom Clifford
March 16, 2026 | Ansonia, CT | Friend
Sending hugs to all of you sorry to miss her mass we’ll be out of the country lov JoAnn
JoAnn Marron
March 16, 2026 | Oxford, CT | Friend
To Celeste's children, friends and other family members. Celeste was a one of a kind woman. Always kind, caring, compassionate and hard working. She was such a wonderful friend to my Mom for so many years! I'm sure they have already found each other up in heaven!!! There's no way you can keep those two apart!! Rest in peace Celeste! you will be missed!!
Cheryl DaSilva (Behrle)
March 16, 2026 | Waterbury, CT | Friend
Mary Ellen, Jimmy, Billy,Jennifer, Susan, and Nicky, I'm sorry you have to say good bye to your loving mother. Your mother was an angel on earth .
The best neighbor ever, and truly a blessing in my mother's life. A Sweeter woman I have never met. I hope you take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her parents ,and your father ! May she Rest in internal Peace !
Cindy
Cindy Abate
March 16, 2026 | Ansonia, CT | Friend
To all the children you had a wonderful mother always called us on our birthdays anniversaries always so pleasant with that beautiful smile RIP you will be missed
Annette & Scott Thomson
March 16, 2026 | Ansonia, CT | Neighbor