Gary Frank Celli Sr.

It is with sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of beloved husband, father, brother and friend, Gary Frank Celli, Sr., who passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 71 after a valiant battle with cancer.
A lifelong resident of Beaumont, Gary was born on May 30, 1953, the son of Robert and Clementine Celli. He grew up on Hazel Street in the Oaks District with his 2 brothers, Bobby and Dan and younger sister Melody. It is there, where countless stories were born involving exploration throughout the streets of downtown Beaumont with their dog Footsy by their side. He was a 1971 graduate of Beaumont High and then went on to graduate from Lamar University with a Bachelor's degree in Business.
Gary was 27 years old when he met a recent Texas A&M graduate that quickly became the love of his life: Terri Crabtree. Gary and Terri were married on December 17, 1983, and then welcomed 3 boys between 1985 and 1987 (all of which became Aggie grads, much to his chagrin, and a fact that has evoked spirited and playful debates for years and years). He treasured moments with his family. As a devoted father, those boys were his pride and joy. His fondest memories were spent at the baseball park either coaching his boys or enthusiastically cheering them on while keeping the refs in line at their second home for many years: West End Little League Ballpark.
A natural born salesman, he worked in commercial refrigeration with his brother Bobby for several years. Gary and Bobby started Interstate Distributors Commercial Refrigeration and Restaurant Equipment, and they received Small Business Men of the Year. In 2002, Gary embarked on an entrepreneurial venture with Flagship Mailroom and Emporium, a Beaumont staple in gifts and shipping & packaging. Soon after acquiring the business, he convinced Terri to retire from teaching elementary school and together they ran the business for 25 years. Throughout the years he was an active member of his community, serving as a board member of the Sabine Restaurant Association, Past Chairman of Taste of the Triangle, Board Member and Past President of Sales and Marketing of Southeast Texas, Board Member of the Texas Retail Grocers Association, Past President of Pony League, Board Member of City, Parks & Recreation and long supporter of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, hosting their annual holiday Mixer at The Mail Room for 25 years.
Gary's favorite ways to pass the time were taking his beloved granddaughters on golf cart rides around the neighborhood. He enjoyed travels with his family, whether it was to their house at Crystal Beach, the hill country of Texas or bringing the family to the "homeland" in Italy. He loved golf outings with his sons and various friends.
His memory will be cherished forever by his beloved wife of 41 years, Terri, of Beaumont; his 3 sons, Gary "Frank" Celli, Jr. and wife Katie; William Celli and wife, Courtney; and Michael Celli and wife, Emily, all of Beaumont. He is also survived by his brother, Bobby Celli and wife, Sarah; and sister, Melody Celli-Fulgham and husband, Greg; brother-in-law, Guy Crabtree and wife, Rhonda; and his granddaughters, the lights of his life, Marabeth Kate, Lyla Elizabeth and Alexis Claire. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews, Tiffany, Christy, Melissa, Megan, Keith, Cody Michael, Kyleigh, Morgan Taylor, and Paige, all of which made him so proud.
Gary is preceded in death by his father, Robert Celli; his mother, Clementine Celli; and his brother, Dan Celli.
Memorial contributions for Mr. Celli may be made to the West End Little League, P.O. Box 5853, Beaumont, Texas 77726; Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601; or M.D. Anderson, PO Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486.
A gathering of Mr. Celli's family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with his memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Broussard's, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.