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Ellen Celentano Obituary
of Thomas and Nora (Fitzgerald) Unwin. Ellen was the
second oldest of five siblings, all of whom pre-deceased her. Ellen was educated at St. Francis Xavier
and Waterbury Catholic High School. Ellen went on to obtain an Associate's degree from Post College in
Waterbury. Afterwards, Ellen moved to Boston where she met her lifelong love, Michael (Mike) Celentano.
Ellen and Mike married on April 3, 1951 and settled in
Schenectady, New York where Ellen was employed as
an Executive Assistant at Niskayuna High School, eventually working as the secretary to the high school
principal for many years.
Ellen and Mike enjoyed traveling together, with several trips to Europe, especially Ireland where Ellen
enjoyed visiting family. Ellen was very active in her
church, St. John the Evangelist in Schenectady, where
she was a member of the Rosary Society and a
Eucharist Minister, she also volunteered at St. Clare's Hospital as an Auxiliary Assistant.
Mike and Ellen were able to celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary together in 2022 just prior to
Mike's death. Her sons and daughters-in-law look to that long marriage as an inspiration. Ellen was the true matriarch of the family, surrounded by six sons
all over six feet tall, she stood taller than every one of
them.
Ellen is survived by five sons and daughters-in-law,
Michael and Joan (Schenectady), Paul and Karen (Charlotte, NC), David and Anna (Dalton, MA), Peter and Aileen (Raleigh, NC), and Joseph and Kathy
(Mission Viejo, CA). Ellen is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Ellen was pre-deceased by her husband, Mike, and son, Richard.
Calling hours will be Thursday, November 2, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gleason Funeral Home. Her funeral
mass, will be celebrated, Friday, November 3, at 10:30
a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Following that, Ellen will be interred at 1p.m. at Saratoga
National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be
made to the Alzheimer's Association in Ellen's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Celentano
Sponsored by Gleason Funeral Home, Inc. - Schenectady.
3 Entries
Steve Adams
November 4, 2023
Mike, Paul, and Celentano Family - So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I have many fond memories of visits to your home when we were younger. I'm sure you have many memories of your own and I hope they provide some comfort.
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Norma Woodall
October 30, 2023
Prayers for the family
Deborah Seeley
October 30, 2023
We are saddened to hear of your Mom's passing, however, we are comforted to know that she was welcomed by your Dad and brother, as well as her dear friends, Pat and Joe Formosa, and my mom - Carol Seeley. Oh what wonderful times they shared together! Friends for life!
May the love and memories you shared, be a comfort to you all in the days ahead.
Love, George and Debbie Seeley
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Memorial Events
for Ellen Celentano
Nov
2
Calling hours
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Gleason Funeral Home, Inc. - Schenectady730 Union St, Schenectady, NY 12305
Funeral services provided by:
Gleason Funeral Home, Inc. - Schenectady730 Union St, Schenectady, NY 12305
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