Richard Celotto Obituary

Name: Memorial Gathering for Richard Celotto
Start: 2024-07-13T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-07-13T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory

Richard Celotto
Richard John Celotto, 71, of Stamford died peacefully at Stamford Hospital on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from acute leukemia. He was predeceased by his parents Albert "Buck" Celotto and Elsie (Wason) Celotto, as well as his younger brother Michael.
He lived in Stamford for most of his life, graduating from Stamford Catholic High School in 1971. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of Connecticut in Storrs.
Judo was Richard's lifelong passion quickly becoming a star in the sport. In 1988, he became an international referee and was respected worldwide for his expert knowledge, skill, and professional style. Richard attained the level of Hachidan (8th-degree black belt) in 2012. He received many accolades over his 56-year Judo career to include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the USA Judo Referee Commission.
Richard's personal career was varied and interesting. He worked as a director at the Darien YMCA; an EMS on an ambulance crew; a security advisor for a vault company, and as a private detective in NYC.
Rick is survived by his brothers, John "Jack" Celotto of Stamford, and Ret. Army Col. Paul Celotto Additionally, he is survived by Paul's wife Susan; nieces Christine "Vanessa" Celotto, April Celotto, and Katrina "Diane" Celotto Adams (wife of Army Major Dom Adams); his great nieces, Katrina and Elizabeth Adams, and his great-nephew, Dominic Adams.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Mary's RC Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford. Directly following, the receiving line will be held at the remembrance gathering from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford. The interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rick's memory to either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. For donation addresses, website, phone numbers, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com/obituaries/.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Stamford Advocate on Jul. 10, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Celotto

Sponsored by Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory.

8 Entries

Leif Wennerstrom

December 26, 2024

As a teenager, I started training in Judo under Rick and Vinnie Ursone during the 1970´s. This was at Greenwich High School and was part of the Samurai Judo Club. This was a very formative time in my life. The training was tough but so fulfilling. Also, a great camaraderie was formed with Rick, Vinnie and the rest of the students. I also wanted to mention that Rick had a great sense of humor and would have us all laughing at times (usually at the end of class). My training continued into the 1980´s, while I was in college. Eventually, I was awarded my black belt under Rick and Vinnie´s instruction. Rick´s workouts where incredibly tough, but this paid huge dividends in competition. This Judo training/competition paid dividends through the rest of my life as well. Not just in martial arts but in everyday life. Because of Rick´s training, I was able to handle stressful physical and mental situations much better than if I had never been tested in Judo. Even after I stopped training in Judo, I kept in touch with Rick. In my late forties, I started training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Over the years I would call Rick to discuss the differences and similarities between Judo and BJJ. I would also tell him that I would utilize Judo techniques that he taught me in the BJJ class. This past April (at the age of 61) I received my black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. The next day I called Rick to tell him. I had a nice long talk. I told him that I never would have trained in BJJ, if it were not for the foundation in martial arts that he gave me. Unfortunately, I didn´t realize that would be the last time we´d talk. He was a great guy and I will miss him.

Denise vartuli

July 16, 2024

Jack & Paul & family.. So sorry to hear about Rick, hope he didn't suffer..now he will be back with Mike !! Miss him soo much

Charlie

July 15, 2024

GODSPEED SENSEI!!! To my mentor and friend, I will miss our conversations and the many stories you told over a lifetime of Judo. I am glad that I listened to so many of those stories, and the memories I have had with you in Judo.

Janet Moretti

July 14, 2024

To the Celotto Family,

We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing, We remember him cooking at the backyard picnic's. We miss those picnics but really miss Mike so very much. May the love of friends and family help comfort you all now & forever. Rest peacefully Rick.

Sincerely with love,
Janet, Nicole & Michael Moretti

Denise Vartuli

July 13, 2024

So sorry to hear the loss of Rick, Didn't see the obituary because we been staying in Milford @ our beach condo that Mike would of loved so sorry for your loss!! If you happen to find something of Mike's I can have I would love that !! God Bles

Peter Valenzon III

July 12, 2024

John, I am sorry for the loss of your brother. My prayers are with you.

American Heart Association

July 11, 2024

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Timothy P. Kraus

July 10, 2024

Jack and family I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of another brother ! I was close to you as a school kid and your brother mike over his whole life ! We were gifted with A connection to St. Mary's growing up . I am the only one left to keep the connection and show my respect to you all . I pray for all your families at this most difficult time . Our faith provides the comfort of knowing we will be reunited in heaven . You may have to really think back to remember me and my brother mike . May the fond memories of your family keep you secure in your faith . A childhood student with you ! God Bless

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