Gerald "Jerry" Bernard Celentani

Gerald "Jerry" Bernard Celentani

February 25, 1950 - September 22, 2024

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Obituary

MADISON - Gerald “Jerry” Bernard Celentani, age 74, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at home. He was born on Feb. 25, 1950, in Rochester, N.Y., the son of Ralph and Elizabeth (Kelly) Celentani.


Jerry graduated from Bishop McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, N.Y. in 1968. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and upon graduation he was placed on active duty. Jerry was assigned to the USS Harold J. Ellison DD-864, 6th fleet as Mm3 from 1968-1971; Mediterranean and Caribbean tours. He was patriotic and proud of his service in the military.


Jerry moved to Madison, Wis., in 1972.  He was united in marriage to Kathy Stablewski in September of 1973.  He worked for MG&E from 1973-2011. Jerry will be fondly remembered for being a hard worker and a man of honor. He was stoic and had a wonderful sense of humor. Jerry loved traveling to Daytona Beach with his wife Kathy, participating in activities with his son, Steve, golfing, and spending time with his friends.  


Jerry is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Steve Celentani; brothers, John (Colleen) Celentani and Jim (Jeri) Celentani; sisters, Mary (Bob Annen) Celentani and Christina (Romy) Mortel; sister-in-law, Mary Susan Celentani; nephews, John and Paul; nieces, Laura, Susan, Ave and Bella; and many great-nephews and nieces.   He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Elizabeth; brother, Ralph Celentani; and sister Eleanor Celentani.


A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. The family invites guests to join them for light refreshments following the service at the funeral home.

 

Jerry’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to Bristol Hospice for their care and compassion during his final days. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org/). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420





Events

11
Visitation
Fri Oct 11, 2024 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
11
Memorial Service
Fri Oct 11, 2024 @ 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
11
Luncheon After Service
Fri Oct 11, 2024 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions

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Gerald "Jerry"
BC
Barbara and George Corbett
Other •
Our deep condolences to our dear friends John and Colleen and the Celentani family. As the loved ones gather to weep, remember and heal we send our compassion and prayers.
KA
Kathy Ayers
Other •
Kathy so sorry to hear about your Jerry. He was a kind gentle man with a great sense of humor! Sherry and I would often talk about Jerry giving her mouth to mouth after her bee sting, he didn’t hesitate. Please call if you would like to talk. Rest in peace Jerry
LM
Larry Meier
Other •
Sorry that I missed Jerry's funeral and celebration of life. Although we worked in different departments, our paths often crossed. Usually a laugh or so was had. Unfortunately our paths didn't cross much after our retirements, although we would meet at the annual turkey bingo party or at a golf course. Again numerous laughs were included. My condolences to your whole family on your loss. With simpathies Larry Meier

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