William C. Celentano, Jr

retired funeral director and owner, Celentano Funeral Home, New Haven, Connecticut, died February 11, 2020, at age 81. Celentano studied at Villanova University and San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and began working closely with his father in 1957 at Celentano Funeral Home.

The New Haven Fire Department was also a true passion for Celentano, who served on the Board of Fire Commissioners. As secretary and then president of Box 22 Associates, he coordinated the implementation of the Box 22 Firefighters Emergency Canteen, which he personally drove to multiple-alarm fires at all hours of the day and night to serve refreshments to firefighters. He received the Civilian Award from Local 825, the highest honor a person outside fire service can receive.

Celentano also served on the New Haven Fire and Police Pension Board, Hospital of St. Raphael Foundation, Greater New Haven Jaycees and International Fire Buffs Association. He co-authored the book of New Haven Firefighters as part of a series called “Images of America.” He was also a member of the Greater New Haven Funeral Directors Association and NFDA. He became a member of the Amity Club with his father and uncles, serving as its president, and was executive director of Amity Charitable Trust.

He is survived by wife Gigi; sons Mark, Robert and William III; daughter Donna; stepchildren Vincent and Melissa; and four grandchildren.