Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Frank Celio Obituary
Frank was born in Hartford on July 25, 1922, the son of the late James V. Celio and Domenica (Gagliardi) Celio. Frank was a World War II Army veteran, proudly serving in the European Theatre of Operations with the 1253rd Combat Engineers. Upon his return from service to his country, he met the great love of his life, Marian White. They were married on June 18, 1946 in Hartford. In one of those fortunate happenstances of life, while searching for a small town in which to raise their family and open their own little country grocery store, Frank and Marian found the town of Hebron. From 1958 to 1971, they worked side by side at Frank and Marian's Store in Hebron Center, just about the only store of any kind in town. During that time, Frank and Marian got to know the people of Hebron and Hebron got to know Frank and Marian. From behind his butcher's counter, Frank's deep and abiding love for the town of Hebron and its people blossomed. Over the past 49 years, the people of Hebron have given true meaning to the word "home" for Frank and his family. Frank was very proud of his wife, Marian, who went on to serve as Hebron's Town Clerk from 1973 to 1998. With the close of their store, Frank went to work for the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection until his retirement in 1989. Frank joined the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department in 1959 and served as a Company No. 1 Captain for a number of years. Each year, the HVFD provided Frank an opportunity to visit with the entire community at the Hebron Harvest Fair. An active man, Frank's leisure time life was dedicated to softball. In a remarkable feat of determination, he actively played into his early 70's. Starting in the 1970's and well into the 1990's, Frank served as a Coach with Hebron Girls Softball. He followed many of "his girls'" softball careers on to RHAM High School where he became known as FAN No. 1. Frank's other community involvements included being a founder of Hebron Little League Baseball in 1959, the Jones-Keefe-Batson American Legion Post No. 95 and VFW Post No. 8776 Hebron. Frank was a kind and generous man, always ready with his smile and well wishes. His was a life well lived and he will be deeply missed.
Frank leaves behind his son, Jim, and his wife, Kristine, of Hebron; grandson Peter Celio and his wife, Kelly, and their children, Jack and James of Hebron, grandson Kyle Celio of San Francisco, Calif., grandson, John Ford and his wife, Meghan, and their son, Christopher, of Hebron, and granddaughter Shannon Ford of Glastonbury; as well as all the special people at the Russell Mercier Senior Center who added so much quality of life to Frank's later years.
The family wishes to thank all the people at Marlborough Health Care Center for their care and compassion during Frank's recent illness.
Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester.
Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday directly at St Peter's Episcopal Church, 30 Church Street (Rte. 85), Hebron, with Father Everett "Perry" Perine officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the New Hebron Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the Celio family asks that donations be made to the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department, 44 Main St., Hebron, CT 06248.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Celio
Cheryl (Desruisseaux) Galli
June 20, 2007
To the Celio Family - Like so many others, my sisters and I have such fond memories of your dad...softball, the Hebron Fair, the Fire Department days...Hebron was a very special place to grow up and your parents helped create that magic. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your father gave so much to so many. He will long be remembered for his spirit and generosity.
Diane (D'Ambrosio) Peck
June 20, 2007
I was deeply saddened to learn of Frank's passing and would like to extend my sincere sympathy. In the hearts of all who knew Frank, his memory will live on.
Dick Gale
June 19, 2007
It was consoling to read the many tributes to Frank. Let us all remember our sorrow must not be measured by his worth, for then it hath no end.
Sue-Ellen Kirkham/Loeser
June 15, 2007
With such fond memories of your parents, Jim and Tina and family, my heartfelt sympathy to you with the passing of your Dad.
He was always the life of our parents' parties when we were growing up in the center, and even recently, Frank would greet all friends with such a happy gleam in his eyes. This is how I will remember Frank Celio.
Doris Taylor
June 15, 2007
Words can never express the sorrow felt for a loved ones passing.
We grieve with you in your loss.
Take comfort in knowing that he is at last with his beloved Marion.
Tom and Janice Mori
June 14, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Frank touched so many people in his life. Many will know him as the sweet man who brought their Easter flowers to the car during the Fire Dept. plant sale. He touched our whole family with his kind heart and great spirit. We lived in Hebron just 12 years prior to moving to Arizona last year but he will always have a place in our memories of Hebron.
TEDS SUPERMARKET
June 14, 2007
THE ARMATA FAMILY AND EXTENDED FAMILY AT TEDS SUPERMARKET.
TEDS SUPERMARKET
June 14, 2007
THE ARMATA FAMILY AND YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY AT TED'S SUPERMARKET.
Lloyd & Pamela Grant
June 13, 2007
Jim and Tina - God has snatched another angel from earth. We 'children of Hebron green' were the luckiest kids in the world and your mom and dad were the greatest!! It was many years later I came to appreciate just how glorious their love had been - for each other and for us.
Richard and Eleanor Gale
June 13, 2007
Frank, you were everyone's best neighbor for 50 years.
Everett Keeney
June 13, 2007
Jim,Sorry to hear about your dad.Frank meant a lot to me and he was a big influence in my life as I grew up.Your mom too.All those years at the store and also when I worked there when I was a teenager.I remember the day Frank went for a hair cut and then there was a fire.He came back to the store with half his hair cut.We all got a good laugh on that.What will Hebron do without Frank?God Bless
Tim Foley
June 13, 2007
Pete, Kyle and Jim and extended family
Very sorry to hear about your loss. We are all thinking of you
Rhonda Withington
June 13, 2007
To Jim and the entire Celio family:
As hard as this time is, you must all be very proud to have called Frank "your" family. he made so many contributions to the community and people in so many ways. I will never forget how happy he was to carry my floral purchases to my car at the fire house fundraisers. His smile and warmth will be missed greatly!
Lee
June 13, 2007
Dear Jim; So sorry to hear of your great loss. Jim and I often recall Franks generousity to us. He once gave us numerous Pines to put in out Hebron back yard. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. As a young couple we enjoyed taking our "little ones" to the pond for a dip . Midge and Jim Lee
Rich, Lori, Tyler Piascik
June 13, 2007
Jim, Tina, Peter, Kyle, & extended family:
Tenderly… may God's love heal your sorrow. Gently… may the prayers of friends ease your hurting. Softly… may God's peace replace your heartache with warm and loving memories.
Our heartfelt condolences,
Jason Sawyer
June 13, 2007
Frank was an amzing man and was like a grandfather to all of us growing up. He was so full of life and wit and loved and enjoyed us all as his own. He has touched all of our lives in a special way and will be missed.
Cindy MacPhearson (Grant)
June 13, 2007
Jimmy,
Sad to hear of your Dad's passing. Just the other day I was thinking about swimming at your family's pond off Hope Valley Road. I had a lot of fun as a child there and am appreciative of your parent's generosity in making it available to me. I also have good memories of your parent's store and can still see your Dad winking at me from behind the meat counter. A lot of good energy came out of that man! Both of your parents were always very kind to me and I remember them fondly. My thoughts are with you.
Cindy
George Gale
June 12, 2007
I have so many wonderful memories of Frank and Marian and childhood summers growing up next door to Celio’s store. They were like a second set of parents to me, my siblings, and to other generations of Hebron kids as well.
They brought a very special grace, warmth, kindness, love and endless good nature to everything they did, to their community, and to everyone that was lucky enough to know them. Their lives were a gift to us and their example a gentle challenge to try and live our lives as well as they did theirs. They will always be with us.
Fred Pettengill
June 12, 2007
Jim,So sorry to hear of your dad's passing, He was a true friend and will be missed greatly by all of the fire department and everyone that ever knew him
Kathy & Dave Sawyer
June 12, 2007
Dear Jim, Tina, Peter and Kyle,
You are loved as extended family, and we grieve for your loss as we did our own father and grandfather. You know how blest you have been to have Marian and Frank as your very own, but shared them both generously and unconditionally with us all. How lucky, we are. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, and I feel strongly that Marian is happy to have her soul mate with her in heaven, at last.
Mona Mercure
June 12, 2007
Jim & Family,
I was very sad to hear of your dad's passing. He was a ray of sunshine always. Because of him, I won my biggest hit ever on the lottery, $47. I enjoyed his visits to CRA & to the Dr's office I'm now employed at.
All my best to you & your family.
Mike & Winnie Reid
June 12, 2007
Frank was a true gentleman and the kind of person that people couldn't help but care for. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe Risigo
June 12, 2007
Jim,
It was wonderful knowing your dad. We cherish the wonderful memories we have of him.
Kim & Joe Risigo
Karie-anne and Edward Everlith
June 12, 2007
Frank was always smiling and ready with open arms for a big hug. He was a special treasure to both the town of Hebron but also to the fire department. I will miss him dressed in his finest at the fair and dancing with the ladies at the fire banquet. He will be greatly missed.
Gina Giles
June 12, 2007
Jim & Celio Family - Our condolences in this difficult time. We had the pleasure of meeting Grandpa Celio a few times, he was a very nice man and will be missed.
Love, Mike Bourque & Gina Giles
Elinor Gonci
June 12, 2007
Jim and Kris - While I didn't know your Dad well, George spoke of him and your Mom with fond memories, therefore, I have them too. Only time will heal your loss, but know that now both your parents are together again.
Love, (Aunt) Elinor
Joanna Manning
June 12, 2007
To Jim, Tina and the whole fam - so sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May "Little Pa" rest in peace in paradise. Sending lots of love your way
Love, Joanna, Joe & Joshua
Mary (Zachmann) Melfi
June 12, 2007
One of my fondest childhood memory is as a little girl in the 60s; after marching in the Memorial Day parade with the Girl Scouts, we always stopped at the store where Frank and Marian gave us bottles of soda (usually Orange Crush) out of the cooler that sat on the porch. Although I'm very sad, I'm also happy that Frank is finally with Marian again.
Heidi Warren
June 12, 2007
To the Celio Family,
I experienced, first hand, the kindness and generosity of Coach Celio. He coached our softball team, along with Mr. & Mrs Emt back in the 70's and what fun we had. He encouraged all us girls with a positive attitude.
I saw him at the Marlborough home a little over a year ago, said hello, and after talking a few moments, he remembered me.
I will always remember Coach Celio as one of the sweetest, kindest men I've known.
May your family find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of him.
Fondly,
Heidi (Philbrick) Warren
Patrick Balisano
June 11, 2007
Dear Jim, I felt so sad to hear of your dad's passing. Both Ann and I are so sorry that we cannot be there with you, Ann has a medical problem that won't allow travel at this time. You know I always felt that your mom and dad were Mr. & Mrs. Hebron, they have left a void that will never be filled.
Pat Kamarowski
June 11, 2007
Jim - Never will forget the wonderful dances with Frank...my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Linda Allen
June 11, 2007
My sympathy and prayers to Frank's family. God Bless.
Nicole & Lisa Munic & The Munic Family
June 11, 2007
We were so sorry to hear about Frank's passing. It seems like just yesterday that he was coaching us in the Hebron softball league! He will be missed very much, and our thoughts are with the entire family.
Ethel Fowler
June 11, 2007
Jim. Very sorry to hear about your
Dad. My thoughts and prayers are
with you and your family.(I still
miss your Mom, Marion)
Sincerely with Love, Ethel Fowler
Jardo&Darlene Opocensky
June 11, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Sandy and Jack Hooker
June 11, 2007
Frank was very special to us and to the community. His was a life well lived. We'll miss him -
Melinda Graus
June 11, 2007
Dear Jim
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I will never forget Frank at the office with his spark of energy when he would run up to the ladies and give them a big smooch and when we would ask how he is doing he would say "after that baby how do you think I am". He always made our day and we were all blessed to know him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Harry and Melinda Graus
Sherri Grant
June 11, 2007
Sorry to hear about Frank. He will be missed
Jim Pasqurell
June 11, 2007
Jimmy:
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and my friend Frank. He will be sorely missed.
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
Make a Donation
in Frank Celio's name
Memorial Events
for Frank Celio
Funeral services provided by:
Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, Inc. - Colchester167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, CT 06415
How to support Frank's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Frank Celio's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
