Mario P. Celico

Mario Pasquale Celico, 71, of Westerly, RI passed away suddenly on January 2, 2019 at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT.
He was born in Westerly, RI on May 5, 1947, son of Pasquale and Annie (Algiere) Celico. He leaves behind his five daughters, RayeAnn Celico, Koleen Celico, Rebecca Limson, Megan Celico and Annie Celico, and his four grandchildren, Noah, Jordynn, Marcus and Makaila all of Westerly. As well as his first wife Carolyn Chevian, Rebecca’s husband Brandon, his brothers and sisters, Pasquale, Maryann, Franklin, James, Joseph, Josephine, Carolyn, Ann Marie, Robert and Brian, and many nieces and nephews. His sister Christina preceded him in death in 1996. He also leaves behind his significant other Dawn Paxton and her granddaughters Maimunah and Amina.
Mario was a Veteran who served with the Military Police during the Vietnam War earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Roger Williams College in 1973. He owned several business over the years, most notably his multiple ice cream shops. He was a Westerly Police Officer for over 20 years, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chairman of the Planning Board and served many years on the Westerly Town Council and School Committee. Mario was a long time member and past president of the Rotary Club of Westerly, member of the Westerly Elk’s Club, a parishioner at St. Clare’s Church where he served as a Lector, usher and on the altar guild. He was a founder of the Nick Vuono Charity Fund. His family is often approached by former employees of his numerous businesses and families of the Nick Vuono award recipients with their personal stories about how he touched their lives in a positive and influential way.
Mario loved his country and his hometown, but most of all his family. Many people knew Mario, but only a privileged few knew Mario the way his family and close friends did. He was a loyal and loving family man who demonstrated his unending support of his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews. Showing up wherever he was needed, often without being asked. His children are most grateful for his guidance, support and love.
The Celico family will greet family and friends at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI on Monday January 7, 2019 from 1-4 PM and 6-8PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Clare’s Church in Westerly, RI on Tuesday January 8, at 10:00 AM. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Sebastian Cemetery. To honor Mario donations may be made in his name to Nick Vuono Charity Fund or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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