Louis S. Cestra

Louis S. "Lou" Cestra, 93, entered into eternal life on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, New Jersey with his loving family by his side. Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, son of the late Luciano and Susie (née Vano) Cestra, he lived in the Westerleigh section of Staten Island, New York until settling in Flemington in 1989. Lou graduated from North High School in Syracuse. Lou worked alongside his father at the family bar located in Syracuse. He served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1951 to 1954 during the Korean War, achieving the rank of sergeant. Lou earned the National Defense Service medal. His adept typing skills enabled him to handle a significant amount of work related to logistic supplies while he was stationed at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island. It was during his time there that he met his future wife, Mary Cestra, who was employed as a civilian at the same location. Following his military service, Lou commenced his employment alongside his father at the family bar located in Syracuse. He initiated his professional journey at Diener Lumber in Staten Island, where he served as a salesman. For two decades, he was a firefighter with the New York City Fire Department. In 1990, he retired after a decade of committed service as an office manager with Thompson Overhead Door in Brooklyn, New York. Lou was a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church located in Three Bridges, New Jersey. For many years, he fulfilled the role of an usher there. Lou was a member with the FDNY Columbia Association, the Flemington Elks Lodge 1928, the Italian American Heritage Club of Hunterdon County, and the East Amwell Senior Citizens Club. He was an expert craftsman in woodworking and stained glass creation. He produced numerous decorative items, grandfather clocks, and stained glass windows. His craftsmanship enabled him to construct his own homes. During his free time, he enjoyed traveling globally and locally with Mary, and took pleasure in golfing. Lou loved his grandsons, never missing a sporting, music, or academic event, and even earned the title Band Grandparent at Hunterdon Central H.S. (celebrating his 50th Anniversary with Mary at a band competition). In addition to his parents, Lou was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Cestra, on April 11, 2025; and sister, Pauline Lowery. Lou is survived by his loving daughter, Nancy and her husband Frederick Fischl of Flemington; three treasured grandchildren, Steven Fischl and his wife Jenn, Louis Fischl and his wife Michelle, and Rick Fischl and his wife Laura; five dearly loved great-grandchildren, Abigail, Anna, Ryan, Matthew, and Maya; and four cherished nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, July 26, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 Highway 202 North, Three Bridges, NJ 08887. Transfer prayers will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Three Bridges with the Very Rev. Thomas J Serafin, VF, KCHS officiating. At the family's request, disposition will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Louis' name to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges, NJ 08887. To send condolences to the family, share photos, or light a virtual candle in memory of Lou, please visit www.CountrysideFuneralHome.com.