Anthony Rudolph Celia

December 23, 1926 - December 7, 2021

Anthony "Tony" Rudolph Celia, age 94 of Rehoboth Beach, DE and formerly of Delaware County, PA, passed away at home on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. He was born on December 23, 1926, in Clifton Heights, PA, son of the late Anthony and Rose (Amadio) Celia. Tony honorably served our nation during World War II as a member of the US Navy in the Pacific Theater. His destroyer, the USS Lardner DD-487, proudly accompanied the USS Missouri into Tokyo Bay for the signing of the historic peace treaty with Japan. In 1957, Tony joined the Upper Darby Police Department as a patrolman. After more than three and a half decades of dedicated service to his community, he retired from the UDPD in 1993 as Superintendent of Police. He lived his entire life as a testament to the Greatest Generation. Service to community was one of Tony’s core values as evidenced by his continuous involvement with civic organizations. Tony was a member and president of the Columbus Italian - American Association in Clifton Heights, PA, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27 for 57 years, the American Legion, Post 17 in Lewes, DE, Knights of Columbus in Cape May, NJ, and St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Lewes, DE. He also volunteered at Meals on Wheels. Tony’s passion for service was surpassed only by his culinary skills and love of cooking. With his wit and charm, he left an indelible impression on everyone he met.Above all, Tony loved his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a dear friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn A. Celia and his granddaughter, Debra Gulliver. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Lynne Carol Celia; his children: Daniel Celia (Susan), Toni Dukeman, Gary Celia; Nancy Celia (Michael), Marianne Celia; his 4 grandchildren: Thomas Celia, Nicole Adams, Angelica Celia, Kevin Gulliver; and his brothers: Edward Celia and Robert Celia (Jean). A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 11:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, social distancing and masks are required by all persons attending or participating in any aspect of the services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mr. Celia's memory to the Upper Darby Township Police Relief Association, 7236 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082. Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.