Obituary of Ronnie T. Celeste

Ronnie T. Celeste 89 of Melbourne, FL passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday May 2, 2024, after courageously battling an illness. He was born in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City, the son of Raymond Celeste, Sr. and Mary (Malpiedi) Celeste. His parents, brother Raymond Celeste Jr., and sister Lorraine (Lauchaire) Grippi preceded him in death. He is survived by the love of his life Marie Maxwell, his son Gregg Celeste, daughter Margaret (Celeste) Barrett and her husband Gregory Barrett, and son Ronald Celeste and his wife Lucina (Early) Celeste.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law Frank Grippi, three nephews, a niece and three grandchildren. 

Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954 he served honorably in Korea. Upon his return to New York City in 1956, he worked in the sales department at the newly formed Volkswagen Group of America. He married Mary Fahy, the loving mother of his children, in 1961. In 1965, excelling at Volkswagen, he was contracted to manage one of six new dealerships in Plattsburgh, NY where he relocated with his family. A talented artist and jazz aficionado, he met Marie and started a blended family with his and her children William Maxwell, and his life partner Mandi Verderosa, Jill (Maxwell) Garn and her life partner Glenn Pelkey, Lisa (Maxwell) Jones and her husband Wyn Jones, and Tracy (Maxwell) Riedl and her husband Steven Riedl. In 1976, Ron and Marie retired to Florida with his love of warmth and sunshine where they have lived in their townhouse in Melbourne since 1998. His children, and grandchildren, Kyle Celeste, Matthew Celeste, and Coleman Barrett were his pride and joy. His nephews Raymond and Robert Celeste, whom he mentored after their Father's death in Vietnam, brought him much comfort and love. Also, dear and close to him were his brother-in-law Frank, his nephew James Grippi and niece Christina (Grippi) Spensieri. 

Visitation and services will be at 10:00 AM May 17, 2024, at Beckman & Williamson 5400 Village Dr., Viera, FL 32955. Interment will be at 2:00 at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL with military honors.