George Celest

Obituary of George Celest
It is with profound sorrow and deepest grief, that our family announces the passing of George Celest (Celestrini) on May 30. George leaves behind his wife Barbara and his daughters Georgina Belanger (Mark), Tania West (Grant), Donna Hadala (Jeff), son Robert, his cherished grandchildren Carli, Bree Nathan, Alex, Krystal (Gabe), Jamie, Dylan, Justin, and great-grandchildren Gabriel, Paige, Michael, and Bella and his sister Mary Basler all of whom were the light of his life. George showed by example how to live a caring and positive life. He was loved by Barbara's children - Anita, Natalie, Melanie, Valerie, Mathew and their families. He will be missed by his sisters-inlaw, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family. George was born in Zara, Kingdom of Italy. During his early years, he lived in Trieste, Italy. He came to Ancaster, Ontario in 1950. In 1951 he joined Ed and Anna Basler's family near Listowel, Ontario. He was predeceased by his wife Lynda and his wife Angela, his Canadian parents Ed and Anna Basler and brother Joe. His first job was with The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce taking him to Hamilton and Barrie. He worked for the Niagara Housing Authority. Later in his working life, George drove a school bus - a perfect fit for his playful and upbeat demeanour. George had a lifelong passion for music, with a particular love of singing. He began his musical journey performing in high school musicals. As a teenager, he directed the parishioners in congregational singing. He was known among fellow singers and friends for his beautiful tenor voice, making him a sought-after soloist. He sang in the Club Roma choir and St. Thomas Aquinas choir. When George wasn't performing himself, he enjoyed live performances, theatre, and concerts. George generously gave his time to several causes. He supported foster children through the Chalice Sponsorship Program. He campaigned for Heart and Stroke. George was a highly committed Meals on Wheels volunteer, delivering food and spreading joy even between his own hospital stays. George contributed to Club Roma for several years, working in the kitchen, at bingo, bocce, and sitting on the Seniors Villa Roma committee. This work was recognized in 2022 with a Male Member of the Year award. George was also very active in his St Thomas Aquinas Parish and with St Vincent de Paul. When George committed, he did so with his whole heart. George had a keen sense of adventure, travelling to Italy, Croatia, Texas, Bahamas, California, Dominican Republic, Alaska, Cuba and St Martin. He loved to explore many parts of Canada. Always jovial and positive until the end, George's love, generous spirit, and unique sense of humour touched all who knew him. His spirit and memory will be treasured by his family and friends. Many thanks to the doctors and nurses in the cardiac unit at St Catharines General Hospital. Visitation will be held at the George Darte Funeral Chapel, 585 Carlton Street on Sunday June 4th from 2-4 and 6-8. The funeral will be at 11:00 on Monday June 5th at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 316 Queenston St. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations can be made in George's memory to Heart & Stroke Foundation.