Charles Joshua Cella

Cella, Charles Joshua 1936-2017 Mr. Cella died peacefully of complications from Parkinson's disease on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. He was 81 years old. Mr. Cella is survived by his three children John G. Cella (Pauline), Louis A. Cella (Rochelle) and Harriet C. Marshall (Ray White); his eight grandchildren Katharine, Annabelle and William Cella, Lillian and Charles Cella, McKay, Eleanor and Edward Marshall, Trevor and Trenton White and special friend Carol Bitting. He was preceded in death by his parents John G. Cella and Eloise Shearer Cella and his sister Eloise Cella Smith. Born in St. Louis, Mo., on August 27, 1936, he graduated from St. Louis Country Day School and he earned his undergraduate degree from Washington & Lee University. Known to his friends and business associates as a fierce but fair competitor, Mr. Cella excelled in baseball, basketball and squash. He was passionate about golf, but his favorite was the Sport of Kings, horse racing. Having taken over as President of the Oaklawn Jockey Club from his father in 1968, he spearheaded its dramatic growth having built one of the nation's most successful race tracks. He owned several Stakes horses, none better than Northern Spur who won the acclaimed Breeders' Cup Turf in 1995. As President of Southwestern Enterprises, Inc., and Southern Real Estate and Financial Company, he managed real estate holdings throughout the region. With an open-door policy to all, he was known as Charles, C.J., Seawolf, Commodore, Chairman, Mr. Red Socks, Grandpa, G-Pa, Popeye and Dad. Mr. Cella was an advocate for education and many charitable organizations; most of his philanthropic acts were done so anonymously. Charles loved his kids and grandchildren to a fault. Always adventurous, he lead trips to fish in Canada, horseback riding in Wyoming, sailing across the Atlantic with a novice crew, hunting in Africa, and so many more wonderful and exciting journeys. He had a great love of musical theatre. Among his most treasured memories was having Sunday dinners with his family. Always throwing a baseball or football to kids and grandkids, directing what patterns to run, he cherished his family interactions. At heart, he was a private father and grandfather and friend to many. Thank you Alonzo, Slavica, Chef John, Sherlyn, and so many others who touched Dad's life. Services: A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Annunziata in Ladue, 9305 Clayton Road at Cella Road, on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Private Committal. Memorials appreciated to the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital Knowlton Fund, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140, St. Louis, MO 63110. A SERVICE OF THE LUPTON CHAPEL