Obituaries
Francesco “Franco” Antonio Celia, 88
May 07, 2021
Francesco “Franco” Antonio Celia, 88, of Manheim was surrounded by his family when he passed away Friday, May 7, 2021. Born in Gasperina, Italy he was the son of the late Innocenzo and Rosie Grace (Martello) Celia. He immigrated to United States in 1953.
He was the loving companion and dance partner of Jacqueline Atkinson.
Franco owned and operated a barber and hair stylist business in Pennsauken, New Jersey. His career as a barber began in Lancaster in 1954. He served as a Navy barber on the USS Fremont from 1956-1957.
He was a member of the Lancaster Italian Cultural Society, Lancaster Bocce League, and Lititz Senior Center. His interests included ballroom dancing, and was a classical and flamenco guitarist. Franco was a parishioner at St. Richard Catholic Church in Manheim.
Franco is survived by two nephews, Richard “Rick” Bernhardt (Beth) of Lititz and their children, Alexander (Brie), Madelyn (David), and Samuel; David Bernhardt of Lititz and his children, Andrew and Macy; cousin, Richard “Dick” Bernhardt of Manheim. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Maria (Martello) Bernhardt.
Services and Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Franco’s memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
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Condolences to the Family
January 11, 2022
Franco was my hair stylist for over two decades. He was more than a barber. He was my friend as well. He was a gentle man who played beautiful flamenco guitar, could dance, as well as play a mean game of Bocce. But his talents though as a hair stylist were unmatched. His skills were exacting and I never walked out of his shop without looking exactly so. Franco sometimes would call me back to the chair as I was leaving because he saw a stray hair, or something that he didn’t like. When I moved to Massachusetts in 2000, Franco remained my barber, and I planned my visits back to the area around appointments with Franco, and continued to do this until his retirement. My time in chair could last up to an hour, and was often spent chatting about many subjects. He was a wonderful man, and I will remember him always as a good friend.
May 18, 2021
Franco was a dear member of the Lititz Senior Center Community and the Lititz Community, he’d always show up for a good dance band. I’ve seen him all over the county over the past decade or more. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Kathy Ross
Lititz Senior Center Program facilitator.
May 14, 2021
Franco was a great man and our family enjoyed getting to get to know him in the recent years. He was a great partner to our grandmother, Jackie Atkinson. We as a family send our deepest regards and prayers for his family.
-Atkinson Family
