Frederick Joseph Celentano, 90, passed away on Wednesday April 15, 2020 of complications stemming from the COVID-19 virus.
Fred was most recently a resident of Staten Island, NY after a year and a half stopover in Manhattan. Fred began his 90 year journey on March 29, 1930 in Hartford, CT. In 1948, Fred graduated from Bulkeley High School and went on to attend The Catholic University in Washington, DC. After graduating in the spring of 1952 with a BA in English, Fred served his country honorably during the Korean War as a member of the US Army's Counterintelligence Corps. Upon completion of his military service, Fred returned home to Connecticut with a determination to make his mark on the business world.
In the summer of 1955, Fred married Mary Ellen Nolan and the newlyweds promptly moved back to the Washington, DC area where Fred would embark on a career with IBM. During his time with IBM, Fred built a successful career in the fields of sales & marketing while steadily ascending the corporate ladder. He accepted various promotions that took the Celentano family on a 37 year journey with stops in Fairfax, Virginia, Lexington, Kentucky and Boulder, Colorado before ultimately settling in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Fred faithfully remained with IBM in New Jersey until his retirement in 1992.
In addition to a strong work ethic, Fred possessed a thirst for learning. He was an avid reader and enjoyed taking a variety of courses during his adult life. Fred & Mary Ellen loved to travel and visited many historic or otherwise interesting destinations the world over. Fred had a strong affinity for the water and took great pleasure in swimming or simply relaxing in the tranquil waters off Connecticut and Florida. Conversely, Fred also enjoyed the hustle & bustle of Manhattan and was right at home in the city that never sleeps. He often took advantage of the city's museums, Broadway shows and countless restaurants.
Fred was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen Celentano; his parents, Adolphe & Matilda Celentano and a loving daughter-in-law, Margaret E. Celentano.
Fred is survived by his two sons, Alan E. Celentano with wife Dolores of Wood-Ridge, NJ. and John J. Celentano of Wayne, NJ.; his only grandson, Thomas J. Celentano; his two sisters, Patricia F. Provost and Kathleen C. Aldridge with their husbands, Richard & Peter respectively along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Fred was a kind and giving person who genuinely loved his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all of those lucky enough to have come in contact with this remarkable man.
Due to COVID-19 virus restrictions, a “Celebration of Fred’s Life” will take place at a future date and time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s memory to the following:
The Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament (write "MBS Restoration Fund" on the memo line) and please mail checks to the MBS Parish Center, 787 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417.