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JOSEPH CELLA Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH CELLA
Deacon Matt Hrobak
July 20, 2024
Eternal rest my friend
Deborah A. Jones
July 20, 2024
I can't believe it's been 11 years already. I keep your picture on my bedroom mirror and speak to you every day. You were the best supervisor I ever had. I remember you coming to my desk the day you passed away. You asked about my parents who have both went on to glory. You told me you see the next day. You had a look on your face that I missed that day but the more I go over that day I think you knew it was your last. I got the call the soon as I got home from work. Ashley called me and asked had I heard. It hit me hard Sgt. but I keep your memory alive. May you continue to RIP until we meet again.
Hugh Keough
February 25, 2014
I just read of Joe's passing today, Feb 25, 2014, on the Father Judge HS website. I saw where he was being inducted into our school's Hall of Fame (posthumously) and I was shocked. Joe, myself, and 61 other 1st graders started school at Our Lady of Ransom School. We were friends, I attended birthday parties at his house and we played ball at Max Myers Playground. Most of all I remember how smart Joe was and how devoted to our Faith he was. Joe would almost always have the highest grades of all the boys in our class when report cards were issued and the end of year awards were made. He also knew all about the Mass and our religious studies. He could even 'say' Mass at his home in LATIN! We were Altar Boys at Ransom when the Church was converting from Latin to English and he knew all the prayers in Latin with no problem. I always thought he would be a Priest but I happy for him that he was able to live his life while serving the people of Philadelphia as a Police Officer. I am not surprised that he bacame a Deacon and believd that this service added to his greated calling. God Bless You Joe! May you shine in God's Glory. Amen!
Barry Bredell
August 7, 2013
Thsnk You for all you did for us and Thanks for being there. You were an inspiration to us all. May God Bless your Family and we will always have you in our hearts. Fraternally yours.
Lauren McBrearty
August 3, 2013
To the Cella Family; I was so upset hearing this news. I was so close to your family during our days at Our Lady of Ransom and grew up with all of you. I'll always remember Joe as such an active member of the church and for how caring he was. I remember when my house burnt down and how much your family did for me. I'll never forget that time and how he prayed for my family at church that day. I'm so sorry for your loss and am praying for you guys. My parents send their condolences as well. Xoxo.
August 1, 2013
RIP Joe your FOP family !!!
July 31, 2013
Tina and family
I am so sorry for your loss and so sorry we missed everything.You will all be in my prayers love Thesia
Don Scott
July 30, 2013
Rest in Peace Joe, your life was an inspiration to all who knew you. May God Bless you and grant you eternal peace.
Steve Helvitson
July 30, 2013
Joe, thanks for being there for all of us.. you were always there to lend a helping hand.. Now it's our turn... our hearts will always be with your family always..... We will all miss you....R.I.P. JOE We love you.
The Helvitson Family from the 66oo block of Kindred St
Bill Cliver
July 29, 2013
Rest in Peace my Brother and my sincere sympathy to your Family. I will keep You and Your Family in my prayers until we meet again. I am sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I first met Joe as a member of Class 243 in the Philadelphia Police Academy, in 1977. Joe was one of a kind! Sincerely,
July 29, 2013
Dear Tina and family,
Our hearts go out to all of you at this difficult time. Joe always had a smile and a kind word during the years our kids were at OLOR.
Through his ministry, we came to know of his love for his family and Our Lord. May He give you strength and peace in the days ahead.
Rick and Tracy Hagenbuch and family
July 29, 2013
Deepest sympathy and condolences Joe's family! Glad I got the opportunity to hear his positive messages when he was deacon at Our Lady of Ransom...He was a one-of-a-kind wonderful man that left us too soon!
Lt. Rich Peffall, MCDB (Ret)
July 29, 2013
Joe, you were the best. Always ready to help out your brothers and sisters in Montgomery County. Your smiling face was always a highlight of our monthly crime meetings. Rest in peace my friend.
Bob Snyder
July 28, 2013
Good man...good cop. Will miss you Joe.
July 28, 2013
Dear Tina, After reading the most post of friends, family, parishioners and those who work with Joe...I get the picture of the great man I know. I am sure you know more than any of us how blessed you and your children were to have loved a great man! I am without words to express to you how sad Tom and I are to hear of Joe passing. I always remember his smile and his kindness. Especially is humor. As a sister in Christ through our husband Ordination, I am always thinking of you and keeping you in prayer. Joe was a great man of harvesting people to Christ. It is with that knowledge that I gain inspiration! Love you and think of you often! Sharon
Michelle and Amber Liczbinski
July 28, 2013
We will never forget you.
July 28, 2013
My deepest sympathy to all of the Cella Family. Joe touched my life and the lives of so many during the time he served as a Deacon at OLOR. He displayed so well what his faith meant to him and was happy to share that gift with anyone with whom he came in contact. He was a special man whose smile and acts of kindness will always be remembered. My prayers are with all of his family during this time of sorrow.
Mary Barton, Warrington, PA
Nancy Rivers
July 28, 2013
You were a great person and a great supervisor. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers. May God continue to keep them comforted and blessed. You will be missed.
Gwendolyn Roseborough
July 28, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Gerard Duffy (ret . Lt. PPD)
July 28, 2013
Tina & Children, Joe and I go back over 34 years when we met in the 35th Dist. I worked with Joe for over 7 years in the old 4Sqd. I take claim to giving one of his nickname of 'Aldo' to Him. Joe was a good friend for all who knew him. As time went on we were once again working together in 1999 in the Det.Bureau Warrant unit, This time Joe was now working for me as a Sgt. Joe could be relied on to get the job done and take care of his sqd. Joe's timeless giving of himself as a Deacon, Grand Knight, Police officer Husband,Dad, grandpop is testimony of truly what kind of man Joe was. With this in mind the world is a better place because of Joe. God bless of of you.
David A. Burgoyne
July 28, 2013
Thoughts and Prayers for the family.
Anthony J. Carbonaro
July 28, 2013
The Carbonaro Family would like to offer the Cella Family our prayers and deepest condolences on you loss. Joe was an amazing friend, deacon, police officer, and family man. He will be truely missed!
Terry Jesberger
July 28, 2013
Joe, was in the fop cop shop talking as he always did, he would stop & say hello to everyone in the building. Joe asked for two bags so he could deliver the bibles later on, when Joe left the shop he said See you later Traza he always call me that and out the door he went. I guess he was telling me we will meet again. Joe, was a great cop, detective, sergeant & friend to me & my husband we will never forget him. RIP Joe
July 28, 2013
July 28, 2013
Over my 27 year career, I only had the pleasure of interacting with Joe on a half-dozen occasions. But he always had a good word to say, and I could tell that he was a special human being with a kind a caring heart. My deepest condolences to the family.
Lou Liberati
Lt. - Airport Unit
Karen & Larry Mangold
July 28, 2013
Dear Tina & family
It was truly a pleasure to have known and worked with Joe, his humor and wit will never be forgotten. His way with people was amazing. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.
DENNIS W HILL
July 28, 2013
JOE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND HUMAN BEING. HE WILL BE MISSED BY EVERY PERSON THAT KNEW HIM. THANKS JOE FOR BEING A FRIEND.
Joe Danella
July 27, 2013
I had the good fortune this past Lent of seeing Joe at a noontime mass at the Cathedral. Joe served the church and city faithfully and our family is better for having known his friendship and ministry while at Ransom. Our deepest condolences to the entire Cella family.
Debbie Anthony
July 27, 2013
The Anthony Family are sendin our thoughts and prayers to Joe's family R.I.P joe we will miss you
Joann Jordan
July 27, 2013
Deacon Joe will be missed by many. His love and knowledge of the Catholic church is unmatched and he helped me a great deal when I first became involved at Our Lady of Ransom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope in time your memories bring you happiness. As many before have said, "Well done good and faithful servant".
Frank O'Brien
July 27, 2013
I'm really sorry to hear about Joe's passing. I worked with him in the same squad (4 sqd NWDD) for many years, and knew him before that when he worked in the 35th. I was saddened because I just spoke with Joe two weeks ago outside Lady of Consolation. He told me that he'd signed for the DROP and was excited about his future retirement next year. He was a great guy and a good friend. I also knew Joe Sr., who also worked the 35th. He'd be very proud of Joe. Joe will be missed
by the FOP, the Archdiocese and countless others. Rest in peace buddy.
July 27, 2013
Requiescat in Pace coi Benedizioni caro Joe. +Patri Arturo Armonda SMD Essene priest
Chip Burnett
July 27, 2013
Joe made a difference in a lot of peoples lives, and will continue to do so. Rest In Peace Brother Joe. You've done a fine job.
Linda Mill
July 27, 2013
I only new Joe briefly but it didn't take long to see he was a smart man with a huge heart. He helped us start a new task force to protect the elderly from financial abuse. His insight, humor and commitment were welcome at each meeting. My sympathies to his family and friends. I am glad I got to work with him if only for a short time.
July 27, 2013
I enjoyed working with him both at the Knights of Columbus and the FOP. He will be sincerely missed.
Luigi Berardi PGK
Nick Milillo, PGK
July 27, 2013
Joe was a man I respected and admired. I was lucky just to know him. Thank you to Tina and the children for sharing him us all.
Ellen Heinz Fulmer
July 27, 2013
Joe was a High School friend and we both worked together at the Sears on the Blvd, h the catalog Dept. I was one of the lucky ones who had the pleasure of calling Joe a friend and a confidant. Joe was the life of the party, Very funny and fun to be with. But yet, Joe had a deep caring heart. I was proud to be Joe's friend. We graduated the same year, from high school. He wrote in my yearbook, hi funnyface. Thatr was Joe! Allways endearing !! Had someone other than Joe had written that, they would've regretted it. But from Joe, my dear friend, It meant he loved me. We double, triple dated and went to dances together and parties and swimming in Maxmyers. We went to the shore with our crowd for the three day holoday.weekends and had so much fun at the beach and on the boardwalk just being kids. We had a good crowd of friends. We have many endearimg memories oc Joe.. Love you kiddo,. You're now with the Angles. We will see you again Right now, our sadness overwhelmes us. We love you kid
Mickey & Larry Corcoran
July 26, 2013
Dear Tina,
What a profound loss this is for everyone who knows and loves Joe. He was such a dynamic person and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know him. You and your family are in our constant prayers.
We have so many wonderful memories of Joe that will always be with us. I love that he was always so happy to see each one of us and he would joke with Jimmy that he, (Jim) had been in his room that morning, whenever Jimmy would sing a Channel 6 Mass. He was always so kind, complementary and supportive of my son and everyone.
I'm so happy I had the opportunity to spend some time chatting with him Monday evening and we laughed, as usual.
Please know that your OLC family is here for you to lean on, just as we leaned on our Deacon Joe.
July 26, 2013
Just met Joe for the First time on July 5th. I was at Mass at Consolation. What an impact Joe had on me. Knew my brother a retired cop. I felt like I had known Joe all my life. My condolesces to the family. He talked about how proud he was of each of his children by name. God bless you. Sister Barbara Burnett
July 26, 2013
I new his brother. They all were a kind family
July 26, 2013
My prayers are with his family, wife, daughter Christina his mom brother tony love Marie Thompson
Fran Woodruff
July 26, 2013
Tina, Joan and kids, we are so very sorry for your loss. Joe was a good man, good Deacon and a mentor to many. You all are in our prayers.
The Woodruff family
Ron Begley
July 26, 2013
I was very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. It's been at least 35 years since the last time I saw him, but I have good memories of our times working together in Sears' catalog department.
Judging by what I've read about him in his obituary, he went on to many bigger and better things in life. He leaves a great legacy and will continue to serve as a great example to those who knew and loved him.
Robert Young
July 26, 2013
My sympathies to the family. Joe worked 155 car in the 15th District 4 squad in the early 80's, I worked the next sector; 158, in Lower Frankford at that time. He was a great guy indeed. God Bless him and his family.
ROBERT A. YOUNG, PENSIONED PHILA. POLICE DEPT.
Dan and Peggy Imms
July 26, 2013
We were so sad to hear about Joe's passing. He was salt of the earth. One funny memory of Joe was when he was selling tickets at the back of Ransom for a St. Patrick's Day ham and cabbage dinner. He said, "Don't worry, the Italians will be cooking it."
We will keep Joe, Tina, and the rest of his family in our prayers.
Bill Fleisher
July 26, 2013
To the Cella Family: Joe was one of the nicest gentleman I have had the pleasure to know. He was a "bridge builder" between peoples of all faiths, races and ethnic origins. He will be truly missed. You can be proud of him. I was proud to call him my friend and brother. May God bring Peace to your grieving family.
Richard Perugini
July 26, 2013
Christine, My thought's and prayers go out to you and your family. The family at Our Lady of Consolation will truly miss Deacon Joe. I had the pleasure of working with him at a few church functions, and he just became my boss at OLC church. He will be in my prayers.
DEBORAH A JONES
July 26, 2013
SGT. CELLA YOU ALWAYS HAD MY BACK AND I MISS YOU ALREADY. I GO IN YOUR OFFICE AND SAY GOODMORNING TO YOU EVERY MORNING SINCE YOU LEFT. YOUR GONE BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN R.I.P.
OLC parishioner
July 26, 2013
Joe was our rock. He had a wonderful work ethic and was wise, smart and dependable. However, those were not even his best qualities. He was kind, generous and could always make us smile even in the most dire circumstances. We will always remember his love and dedication to us.
I absolutely adored him; he was like a father to me. He was supportive and I could always rely on Joe for excellent advice.
Joe is in heaven with his father and the Father who I am convinced sent him to us. Please remember Joe and his family in your prayers.
For my sister Christine Cella, I love you.
susan kulb
July 26, 2013
Jean Harkins (OLOR)
July 26, 2013
To the family of Deacon Joe,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. May your hearts soon be filled with fond memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived
Jim Gilboyne
July 26, 2013
I was shocked to hear about Joe. worked with him a few years on the force.. he was a great guy, my condolences
susan kulb
July 26, 2013
For Joseph Cella and his family especially my dear sister who I love so much may god be with you during this sorrowful time of the loss of your dear husband who was such an inspiration to so many people.
Nikkoel
July 26, 2013
An amazing man, you will be truly missed. I am lucky to have spent years of my childhood with your family. Mrs Cella is my godmother. They have always been beautiful family. Rest in Peace, Mr. Cella.
Anne Murray Kelly
July 26, 2013
So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I first met Joe when we were 16 and worked together at Sears on the Blvd. I ran into him a few times throughout the years as my husband was a Phila Police Detective. Joe was a great guy who was always protective of people. He had a hardy laugh and great personality.
My sympathy to his family. May The Lord be with you during this difficult time. We will keep ypu in our prayers.
Leo Filon
July 26, 2013
RIP Fraternal Brother.
Mike Prendergast
July 26, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Cella Family. I had the pleasure of meeting Joe about 20 years when I coached his daughter Katherine with the Mayfair Shamrocks. I have enjoyed our friendship since then. What a class and diversified man, who always thought of his family first. He will be missed by so many. I will keep Joe's Family and extended family in my prayers.
Michael & Christine Huff
July 26, 2013
To the Cella Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Deacon Joe will be greatly missed at OLC. He was always there for us. Your family is in our prayers.
Karen Settlemyer
July 26, 2013
So very sorry for your family's loss.
Lorenzo & Diorina D'Amore
July 26, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Cella Family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
msgr joseph mmcgeown
July 26, 2013
Joe was an inspiration to me and many others may god reward you with heavenly bliss
John P Mc Donnell
July 26, 2013
Joe, Was a Great Guy I knew him for many years both in and out of the Police Department. May God have mercy on his Soul and also his Family. John P Mc Donnell Ret. Phila. PD.
M Matt
July 26, 2013
One funny memory I have. The very first time I received communion in a very long time you placed the host on my tongue and it fell off right into my hand. You said, "Good Catch" instead of Body of Christ. I laughed all the way back to the pew until the end of mass. You had a way of making God fit right into everyday life. You will be missed but I know you were met at the door and heard, "Well done good and faithful servant."
Dave Rizzo
July 26, 2013
Joe will be missed. Attending functions at Consolation will not be the same without Joe.
Kate Sanders
July 26, 2013
The last time I saw Joe I remember saying to hime, how much I cared that he was still involved in OLC and that the one consolation we all had was that he was such a WONDERFUL, HELPFUL, CARING HUMAN BEING AND THANK GOD FOR HIM. I find some comfort in the fact that I said that to him and he knew how much we cared and what we thought of him. I can't say enough about Joe, he will be missed by many, many people. His homilies were inspiring and helpful, he changed my life and how I try to live in the footsteps of Our Savior by his words and deeds. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends. We know God has a helper with Him. I love you for all you've done for me and always will.
Jeff Long
July 26, 2013
I had the pleasure of knowing Joe for many years, from his time as a Night Watchman at Max Myers Pool through his Deaconate. Joe was a great man and will be greatly missed by many. I am certain God has said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Jim Sunderland
July 26, 2013
To Joe's Family,
I knew Joe through our years at Judge. Joe was always a great guy to be around...I heard through the years what Joe was up to in his life...quite a man...it was great to know Joe in my life...Rest in Peace in your just reward Joe as Jesus has you wrapped safely in his arms.
Deacon Matt Hrobak
July 26, 2013
Joe: My mentor and brother in Diaconal ministry and serving in the PD. May the Lord be gracious to you and grant you eternal rest, my friend.
Thanks for being there!
Anita Maddonni
July 26, 2013
Dear Tina,
I have no words to express how deeply sorry to hear about Joe. During this difficult time my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you and your family. May happy memories wash away your sadness.
Joseph A Altomare
July 26, 2013
Joe, you were a good friend & a great Deacon. I will always remember your ordination & first mass. You also inspired many people with your work in scouting. You will be missed & may God bless you and your family during this most difficult time. Rest in peace my friend.
Jim Downs (Ret. Lt. PPD)
July 26, 2013
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. The members of our CopNET family would like to thank Sgt. Joesph M. Cella for his dedication and service to the citizens of Philadelphia. The passing of FOP Chaplain Joe Cella will be broadcast to our 3,423 members shortly and we would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family. His absence from our ranks will be deeply missed by the remaining members of Philadelphia's Finest who were fortunate to have served with him during his police career. He will continue in our thoughts and prayers during our remaining days. "Until we meet again, may God Hold you in the palm of his hand. " . . .
Semper Fidelis
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