Obituaries

Nicholas S. Celia, 84

Nicholas S. Celia, 84, of Lancaster, devoted husband, father and grandfather, died Thursday September 16th surrounded by his family at the Essa Flory Hospice Center.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Nicola and Mary Voci Celia. He was married to Josephine C. Lombardo Celia. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on May 26th.

Nick was employed for 25 years at Buchart Associates of York where he was in charge of the interior design division for commercial buildings. He later started his own company, Celia Design, for 10 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, stationed in the South Pacific on the U.S.S. Nauntag and the Midway Islands.

Nick was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Lancaster. He was a member of the National Society of Interior Designers and the Lancaster Italian Cultural Society. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Santa Maria Assembly and belonged to the Lancaster Council 867 Knights of Columbus where he bowled on their team. Nick was an avid bocce player and loved hunting, fishing, and was a huge Notre Dame fan.

In addition to his wife, Nicholas is survived by his children, Mary Colette, wife of John G. Groft of Lancaster, Josette M., wife of Dominic A. Dannessa, of Naperville, IL, Nicolas G. Celia of Lancaster, and Annette M., wife of Kenneth G. Myers of Lancaster; 8 Grandchildren, John, Mary Beth, Andrew, Susanne, Kate, KJ, Kerek, and Koby; and a Great Granddaughter, Cecelia. He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Catherine Rose and Mary Ann Schlegelmilch.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday September 21, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 558 W. Walnut St. Lancaster, at 12 noon with Rev. Michael E. Messner as Celebrant. Friends will be received on Monday, September 20th at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, from 6-8PM with a Rosary at 7:30PM. Friends will also be received at the church on Tuesday from 11AM until the time of Mass. Interment in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Nick’s memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, P O Box 4125, Lancaster, Pa 17604 or to Sacred Heart Catholic Church. To send the family an online condolence please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100

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Condolences to the Family

September 28, 2020

I remember living on W Chestnut Street when he would bring the family – Colette, Josette, & brother to their grandmothers on Sundays. Condolences to the family. Bernita Wardrop Stadler 

Your family is in my prayers. Mr. Celia was such a kind man and alot of fun.  I truly enjoyed growing up around him.  This is a very sad day.  I loved coming over to your home as there was always lots of warmth, good food and laughs.

I am thinking about you all.  I wish i could be there Monday night and Tuesday. I will be in California with my husband.

God bless you all..I know he is in heaven watching and protecting you.

Pati Going Frey and Phil, Andrew and Molly

My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I marvel at the 59 years and think of how many wonderful, wonderful times you two must have had during those years… as too I’m sure you will remember, cherish and hold.

As I write this, the radio is playing Take My Hand Precious Lord in the background and I find the words are some of the most comforting as I know we will see our loved ones again…

Dorothy
(Pep Pautz)

I met Nick back in 1963 and worked with him during my 14 year tenure at Buchart Assoc. Nick was very instrumental in the development of my career as an Architect. I remember on one occasion we where in Phila. at a meeting and went to dinner at a well known steak house. While finishing our dinner, Arnold Palmer and his business manager came in and sat down adjacent to us. It took Nick and I about an hour to finish our dinner and desert, while watching as everyone walking by would stop and stare at Arnie, some interrupting them to say hello. We were both speechless.

Nick was e very good friend although I haven’t seen him in years, he will be missed. God Bless Nick and his family.

Terry L. Slonaker AIA
York, PA.

To Annette, Kenny and family,
Your father earned the respected name of "Mr. Celia" as he came and went from the offices of Kegel’s Produce.  I will always remember his warm and gracious personality.  May you cherish the memories of the years you shared together.
Herb Noll

NICK WAS A SPECIAL GUY IN MY EYES. HE WAS A CALM AND A CORDUAL PERSON. HE NEVER HAD A BAD WORD TO SAY ABOUT ANYONE. I JUST WISH I HAD SOME OF HIS ATTRIBUTES. I’M GOING TO MISS SEEING HIM FROM TIME TO TIME. MY CONDOLENCE GOES OUT TO THE WHOLE FAMILY. I WILL KEEP YOU ALL IN MY PRAYERS.
LOVE
SAM AND JOAN FULGINITI

Nick was a kind and gentle man .Please accept my condolences.

Nick Fulginiti

I first met Mr. Celia at Franklin and Marshall College when he came to see Josie at work in the 80’s. He was very friendly and kind man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Josie and your family. Please take care.

Sincerely,
Ellen McLane Keller

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