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Stephen "Togan" Cecere

1948 - 2017

Stephen "Togan" Cecere obituary, 1948-2017, Jacksonville, FL

FUNERAL HOME

DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home

181 North Main Street

Geneva, New York

Stephen Cecere Obituary

GENEVA – Stephen "Togan" Cecere, 69, a Geneva native who maintained homes in both Geneva and Jacksonville, Fla. passed away suddenly on Monday, (December 11, 2017).

Friends may call at the DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home, 181 N. Main St., on Thursday, (December 21, 2017), from 5-7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a. m. on Friday, (December 22, 2017), in St. Stephen's Church. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions, in his memory, may be made to Alzheimer's Research or to the American Cancer Society.

Togan was born in Geneva and was the son of the late Frank and Marie Hennessey Cecere. He was a graduate of Geneva High School, Class of 1966 and Alfred University. Steve moved to Jacksonville to start a successful paint contracting company. He resided in both Jacksonville and Geneva, but always considered Geneva his home.

Steve was a member of Marsh Landing Country Club in Jacksonville and Geneva Country Club in Geneva. He loved golf and all that goes with it.

He was a larger than life presence who was loved by many and had a gift of lighting up any room he entered.

Steve was Geneva's sign of spring – he would arrive in April and stay until September.

He will be sorely missed by countless friends and family members.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila (Carty) Cecere; sons Steve (Angela), Brian (Nicole) and Scooter; his daughter, Leah (Ted) Shahum; sisters Chickie (Joe) DiZillo and Jeanne (Ron) Johnson; brothers Pinky (Kathy), John (Linda), Lenny (Meg); brother-in-law, Mike (Liz) Carty of Geneva; four grandchildren Brady, Cade, Keilen; Collin; many nieces, nephews, cousins who will sorely miss their "favorite" uncle.

He was predeceased by his brothers Jim and Danny; and his sister-in-law, Sue.

For those wishing to write a note of condolence, please visit www.devaneybennettfh..com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Finger Lakes Times from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Cecere

Not sure what to say?





Anthony Vignone

February 23, 2018

I will miss Steve. Here is the portrait that I did of him that hung at Vito's Restaurant in Jacksonville.
Tony

Anthony Vignone

February 23, 2018

I just heard about it last week and was shocked. My deepest condolences to Sheila and the whole family. You probably remember my portrait of him that hung at Vito's Restaurant for years.

Tony Vignone

Pete & Mary Petrucci

December 21, 2017

My deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire Cecere family. Steve was such a great guy, he will always be remembered by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

December 21, 2017

Love all my cousins, but Steve was one of my favorites, Will miss the smile

December 21, 2017

My heartfelt condolences to the Cecere
Family at this sad time
Peter R Farr
Hall N.y

John Namen

December 19, 2017

Our deepest condolences. Steve had such a positive personality!! Sheila, we will keep your family in our prayers.

Joey Shahum

December 19, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with Sheila, Steve's three son and daughter, and the entire Cecere family.

You can be very proud of the love, laughter and friendships Steve shared with so many of us throughout his life.

Thank you Steve for your friendship starting in Geneva to California to Jacksonville. The memories of our good time together will keep you alive in my heart and in mind.
Rest In Peace my best friend and let me know If you need
cigars.

Michael Crough

December 19, 2017

My deepest condolences to all the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers!.

December 18, 2017

My sincerest condolences to Sheila and your family like everyone has said his smile brightened your day. He will be missed. Lucille Zaso Flynn

Patti and Ray Ciancaglini

December 18, 2017

Steve had a smile that lit up every room he entered. We are sure that, as bright as heaven is, he made it even brighter. Geneva lost an icon and we are heartbroken! Our deepest sympathies to Sheila and his entire family for this loss that has touched everyone.

December 18, 2017

I am heart-broken to hear of this sad news. My deepest sympathy and prayers to Sheila and their children. I will miss his amazing smile and kind heart. RIP my dear friend Steve.

Kay Apple-Legrett

Link & Berni Kairys

December 17, 2017

Dear Sheila, Scooter and the Cecere family,

Such heartbreaking news about Togan. Sending our prayers and deepest condolences.

Caryl Myers

December 17, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Condolences to the family....
Caryl and Eddie Myers

Ed and Elaine Prindle

December 16, 2017

Our deepest sympathies. May his soul rest in peace.

JOHN PRIANO

December 16, 2017

REST IN PEACE STEVIE GREAT MEMORIES FROM OUR CHILDHOOD JOHN PRIANO

December 15, 2017

Sadden by the news of Steve, My prayers and thoughts go out to Shelia and his family.

Michael Cimineri (South Carolina)

Dave & Kathy Heatherly

December 15, 2017

We're going to miss you Togan are dear friend, you always thought of us a family, and we felt the same way. Our thoughts and prayers for Shelia, children and grandchildren. And our dear Cecere family members.
RIP Togan till we meet again. Going home to Geneva will never be the same without you. Love Kathy and Dave

Carol Hennessy Marino

December 15, 2017

We are so very sorry to learn of Steve's passing, Cecere family. We are thinking of all of you and praying for God's comfort.

December 15, 2017

Our hearts break with Sheila, and the entire, extended Cecere family on the loss of Togan. We will forever miss his bright smile and warm friendship. With deep and sincere sympathy, Suzie Wertman & Grant Holly

tim &linnie zaso

December 15, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Cecere family. May Steve rest in peace and the good Lord take him home.

Pete Kuryla

December 15, 2017

From Childhood through Roommates I'll always be thinking of you and the entire family. So long pal, RIP.

elaine chapin

December 15, 2017

John and family....so very sorry to read about your recent loss....Sending prayers to all during this difficult time.

Barbara Maher

December 15, 2017

My thoughts & prayers are with all the Cecere family, in the passing of Stephen. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Michael Hefferon

December 15, 2017

In my prayers for You and Your Family

December 15, 2017

Lenny and all the Cecere Family,
Bill and I are so sorry to hear about Steve. Prayers and Thoughts to all of you at this time. May He Rest In Peace.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Bill and Pati Mattice

Marc Thomas

December 14, 2017

Steve was one of the nicest people I've ever met. He always greeted with a smile and a firm handshake, and you walked away feeling better than you did before you saw him. A very good person and I wish to convey our sympathies to Sheila and the entire Cecere family.

Carol & Charlie Wilson

December 14, 2017

Sheila and Family
We are so saddened by the news of Steve's passing.
Sure will miss his smile especially on the golf course.
His sparkle made the world a bit brighter.
Our thoughts are with you during this sad time.

December 14, 2017

Togan: Always a cherry and friendly hello. We will miss his smiles and laughter. Our sincere condolences to the entire extended Cecere family. Joanna and Wendell Roelofs

Jie Zeoli

December 14, 2017

We've all lost a great friend and a good guy. It came to us as a complete shock. I will be at Devaney's Thursday ( 12/21) to pay my respects. Stephen will always remain in my prayers. l

December 14, 2017

Shelia and Family, We are so saddened to learn of your loss. Stephen was one of the greatest we have ever had the pleasure of calling a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time.

Karen and Paul Wetzel, Geneva, NY & St. Augustine, Florida

Phyllis Ilacqua-Rooney

December 14, 2017

Sheila - You and the entire family are in our hearts. Peace and love...

Lou Gigliotti

December 14, 2017

Very sorry to hear this. Steve was a room mate in college for a semester or two. Great guy and true loss. RIP steve. God Speed. -- Lou Gigliotti

Nancy Kelly (and Family)

December 14, 2017

We are so sorry for you're sudden loss. He was a great man. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this hard time.

Nancy Whitwell

December 14, 2017

To Sheila, Scooter and all the Carty/Cecere family, my sincere sympathy. Love and prayers are sent to you. Steve was such a nice person, always smiling and ready to give you a nice hug. So very sorry for your loss.

December 14, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you Sheila and family....Steve was a great guy and always the life of the party at our class reunions. Hold on to all your great memories.
Barbara (Williams)Miller

Joe & Dale fischer

December 14, 2017

The years have past by so fast since i last saw my Geneva friend and his family and all the Geneva family and friends that knew Steve that live here in Jacksonville Fl. but the memories of all that knew Steve/Togan Cecere and all the good times we all had together will never be forgoten.Sheila and family members my heart is broken and very sad with his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all Family member and friends from Geneva to Florida that knew one of the best friend to have known. Love to all Bucky Joe & Dale Fischer

Linda Adsitt

December 13, 2017

I'm very sorry to learn of Steve's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Sheila and the family. May your many treasured memories bring you peace and comfort
With deepest sympathy to the Cecere Family.

Claudette Cooley

December 13, 2017

Sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. My sympathy goes out to the Cecere Family!

Joe and Sue Pappagallo

December 13, 2017

We are so heartbroken to hear this. Steve was one special man and will be dearly missed. We were honored to call him "friend". May God be with Sheila and the rest of the family during this difficult time. We love you all and grieve with you xo

Davd & Kathy Heatherly

December 13, 2017

We can't be with you to give you support Shelia and family. But our thoughts and prayers are with you and the children and all the Cecere Family.
Rest in Peace our Dear friend Togan till we meet again. Love Kathy and Dave

Stephen CECERE

December 13, 2017

Iam so sorry, please accept my deepest Sympathy to you and your family

Phyllis Snyder
and family

MICHELE FAVREAU CRAIG

December 13, 2017

So very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this sad process.
May Steve Rest In Peace.

Barbara Moore

December 13, 2017

Sheila and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of a husband and father. You must all be so proud to have had a man in your life who made such a nice mark on this world.
Barb Moore

December 13, 2017

May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time
Psalms 29:11

Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results

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Memorial Events
for Stephen Cecere

Dec

21

Calling hours

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home

181 North Main Street, Geneva, NY 14456

Dec

22

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. Stephen's Church

FL

Funeral services provided by:

DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home

181 North Main Street, Geneva, NY 14456

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