Luke Celeste

Luke Celeste, most recently of Smithfield NC, formerly of Avenel, NJ, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2022 at the age of 88. Always a jokester, Luke kept the staff (most recently) of Meadowview Assisted Living laughing. The stories of his family and loved ones were kept close to his heart and on the tip of his tongue. He loved to be in touch with family and reminisce. He had a gift of remembering details and sharing stories, and Luke had many stories! Whether from his service in the US Army, his running the family luncheonette, his stint working as a bus driver through the Newark riots, to the softball games for American Flange where he managed the Quality Control department, Luke’s character always made an impression.

Luke was an accomplished handyman and car mechanic, and loved gardening, animals, coin collecting, and the New York Yankees. He also loved watching Nature documentaries, had a magnificent singing voice, and was overjoyed to watch the 2022 Super Bowl with his son, Alan

Luke was born in Newark, NJ on September 1, 1933 to Concetta and Pasquale Celeste, both immigrants from Italy. One of 9 children, he is survived by his brother David Celeste of NJ, many nieces and nephews, and their children. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Patricia Celeste (spouse Pat) also of NJ. His brother Elio, was a fallen veteran of World War II.

Luke is survived by Zelda Celeste Chehoski, his former wife and mother of his children Valerie Celeste Drohan (spouse Dan) and Alan Celeste (spouse Lee-Ellen) both of NC. Their son, Glenn Celeste died as an infant. Luke has 5 grown granddaughters: Erin Rusinek (spouse Chris), Shannon Adams (spouse Ryan), Cassidy, Kerian and Brelyn Celeste and 3 great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Molly Rusinek and Quinn Adams all of NC. He adored all 5 of the the girls as they grew up and was referred to as He-pa by some and G-Pa by others. He later loved the title Great-Grandpa. Luke relocated from NJ to NC in 2018 to be closer to his children and their families.

Luke was predeceased in 2017 by his partner of nearly 40 years, Linda Markus of Avenel, NJ. Linda’s children are Debbie Markus Rose of FL and Donna Markus Firestone. He delighted in the title Pop-Pop to Linda's grandchildren: Matthew Firestone of NJ and Kenny Firestone (spouse Brittany) and to Kenny’s children Jacob and Kaitlyn whom he considered his great grandchildren. Luke was also family to Linda”s sister Jane Conklin Schubiger (spouse Robert) of FL.

Luke found his church home with Reedy Creek Baptist Church, Cary NC, and he loved the Lord.

A graveside service will be held on September 1, 2022 (Luke’s 89th birthday) at 1:30 at the Cloverleaf Cemetery, Woodbridge NJ.