Obituary: Frederick Celeste

Frederick J. Celeste Sr., 64, of Norton, formerly of Hyde Park, passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012.

He was the husband of Diane M. (Gortze) Celeste, to whom he was wed June 21, 1968.

Born in Somerville, MA on April 17, 1948, he was son of the late James S. Jr. and Rosaria J. (Gulino) Celeste.

Fred grew up in Hyde Park and was a 1966 graduate of Hyde Park High School. In 1979 he graduated from Bridgewater State College and later received his Masters Degree in 1986, also at Bridgewater State College.

During the Vietnam War, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. He was honorably discharged from the service on June 12, 1971 and later served in the United States Army Reserve.

Mr. Celeste was a retired executive vice president and State President of the National Association of Letter Carriers. He had been employed at the U.S. Postal Service for over 35 years.

A resident of Norton for the past 40 years, Fred was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Norton. He was a lifetime member of the DAV, a member of the Mansfield Fish and Game Protection Association, a former award winning editor of the Boston Local 34 newspaper, and a longtime volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon.

In addition to his wife of over 44 years, he is survived by his children Kristin M. McFetters and her husband George of Missouri, Frederick J. Celeste Jr. and his wife Faith of Norton, James S. Celeste III and his wife Jennifer of N. Attleboro and Kelly M. Celeste of Mansfield; his cherished grandchildren Elizabeth and Meghan Celeste, Kyle, Brendan and Zachary McFetters, and Adrianna and Lucas Celeste.

His funeral, to which relatives and friends are invited to attend, will be held  Monday, Dec. 10 at 8:30 a.m. from the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 N. Main St., Mansfield, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Power St., Norton. Burial with military honors will follow in the Norton Common Cemetery in Norton.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Celeste’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

For condolences visit www.shermanjackson.com.