Mr. Celestino "Cel" Gonzalez

UTICA - Mr. Celestino “Cel” Gonzalez, age 35, went to heaven peacefully as he passed away on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare with his entire family by his side. Born in Utica on September 13, 1982, Celestino was the son of the late Anibal and Nancy (Roundy) Gonzalez. He attended T.R. Proctor High School. Most recently, Cel was employed by M&M Auto Sales as an automobile detailer. A sense of his personality and pride went into his work. Cel was a funny guy and a jokester, especially about sports. He loved to laugh, and he found humor in everyday things. But, he had a serious side, too. Even at his young age, he was a caretaker, strong-willed and focused in watching over his family. As he became a father, it was evident that he had an ever loving heart; he adored his children, and his nieces and nephews. He made it his personal responsibility to give advice to his loved ones, and he was the guy whose home was always open. Friends and family were welcomed and comforted by him. He was the real thing, and that is why everybody loved him. Food was also important, and although chicken riggies, and mac & cheese were his favorites, his pallet took pleasure in spicy, hot foods! He enjoyed paint balling, and was a fan of the ‘49ers. Cel embraced his Catholic faith and believed there was happiness and eternal peace in heaven. Celestino is survived by his daughter, Monet, age 8; his son, Anthony, age 6, and their mother Jennifer Meier. Cel’s memory will be cherished by his siblings, Patricia and Milton Hernandez, Belina and Michael Lorenzoni, Lucy and Ernesto Molina, Bennie Davis, Anibal “Jose” and Maria Gonzalez, Nancy and Angelo Lorenzoni, Victoriano “Macho” Gonzalez, Millie and Eddie Ramos, Florentino and Itamar Gonzalez, Rosa Gonzalez, Victor Gonzalez, Gonzalo Gonzalez, Angela Gonzalez, and Cesto Gonzalez and Brittany Padula; many nieces, nephews, especially acknowledging Andrew, Noel and Alexis; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and aunts and uncles, especially members of the Hallam family. Cel was blessed with good and loyal friends, especially those at Monk’s Pizza where he loved to eat and hang out. He was predeceased by his niece, Annika, who passed in infancy. The family is grateful to Dr. Najam Din and the staff of the Cancer Center at the Slocum-Dickson Medical Group; the amazing doctors and staff at the Strong Memorial Hospital Oncology Department; the nurses of the 6th Floor at St. Luke’s Healthcare; Dr. Booth and the Palliative Care team who assisted the family in the most peaceful crossing over possible. They were a phenomenal group of professionals who cared so much for Cel in the final stages of his journey. Family and friends are respectfully invited to pay their last respects to Cel on Friday afternoon, August 10th from 2:00-4:00 pm at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia St, Utica. Celestino’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Anthony P. LaFache. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Cel’s memory may be made to the family enabling them to establish an education fund for his beloved children; envelopes will be available at the service.

Mr. Celestino "Cel" Gonzalez

September 13, 1982 - August 3, 2018