Donald R. Celone

WATERBURY, CT Donald R. Celone 07/07/1925 – 02/04/2025 "Beloved husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather" Donald Robert Celone passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on 02/04/2025. He was born in Waterbury, CT on July 7, 1925 the son of Anthony and Mary (Perugini) Celone. He is survived by his beloved wife of 78 years, Rose Mary (DeSocio) Celone. Donald was named at birth Dominick after his grandfather but his mother called him Donny all his life. Once he was in high school he legally changed his name to Donald and went by Don by everyone who knew and loved him. He attended Waterbury public schools and graduated from Crosby High School in June 1943. He received his draft notice in July 1943 at the age of 18 and trained at Fort Braggs N.C. in a newly formed paratrooper squad that would carry out operations in Germany and France during WWII. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Battery A, 676th Glider Field Artillery Battalion until his discharge in February 1946. On a furlough he was introduced on a blind date to his future wife, the love of his life, Rose Mary DeSocio. They married on August 23, 1947, living their entire lives in Waterbury where they raised their 4 children. After World War II, he worked at the Bristol Company, starting in their stock room, retiring after 42 years as the Manager of the Shipping and Receiving Department. Don was a faithful Catholic serving for many years, starting in 1985, as an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, assisting with masses, the Stations of the Cross and delivering Communion to the homebound. He was devoted to the Virgin Mary and faithfully prayed the Novena in Honor of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal, every Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, then weekly at home once he became homebound, right up until his death. In addition to his wife, Rose, he leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughters: Donna Ricchezza and her husband Anthony (Port Charlotte, FL) and Mary Ann Cyr and her husband Alan (Southington, CT). His son-in-law Anthony Durso (Southington, CT) and daughter-in-law Nancy Celone (Burlington, CT). Six grandchildren, Paul Ricchezza and his wife Heather (Prospect, CT), Michael Ricchezza (Waterbury CT), Mark Cyr and his wife Nicole (Harrison, NY), Nicole Paez and her husband Sebastian (Shelton, CT), Dylan Celone (Bristol, CT) and Shane Celone (Burlington, CT). Ten great-grandchildren: Alex Ricchezza, Evan Ricchezza, Erik Ricchezza, Andrew Ricchezza, Sophia Cyr, Christian Cyr, Andrew Cyr, Eva Paez, Elena Paez, and Carmella Celone. Don also leaves many nieces and nephews to cherish his memory. Don was predeceased by his treasured children, Carmel Ann Durso and Robert Celone and his only sibling Barbara Ann Audietis. Arrangements: A Mass of Christian Burial with cremains present will be celebrated on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 309 South Main St, Waterbury, CT. Family and friends are asked to please meet directly at the church at 10:45 AM. There are no calling hours. There will be Military Honors at the church following the Mass. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.