Joseph 'Joe' J. Celenza, Sr., 87, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Monday, August 18, 2014 in Niagara Falls, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Nicholas and Sandra (Sardella) Celenza.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. He attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. He later attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY and earned a bachelor degree in Physical Education. He continued his education at Niagara University where he earned a Masters Degree. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant from December 18, 1944 until his honorable discharge on November 23, 1946, He was stationed in the Philippines and was awarded an Army of Occupation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a Philippines Liberation Ribbon and a World War II Victory Medal.

On January 14, 1956 Joe married Virginia C. (Costanzo) Celenza at St. Mary of the Cataract Church in Niagara Falls. Joe was employed as the Social Director for the Niagara Falls Boys Club for thirty two years until he retired in 1990. He also worked as a Physical Education teacher at various local schools as well as a Drivers Education Instructor at Niagara Falls High School. Joe was a member of St. Mary of the Cataract Church in Niagara Falls as well as serving on their Church Council and as the head usher. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge. He was an avid golfer and for the past twenty four years, he worked alongside his wife managing their Holley Rankine House Bed and Breakfast in Niagara Falls, NY.

In addition to his wife of fifty eight years, Joe is survived by four children John (Victoria) Celenza of Wheatfield, NY; Joseph (Judith) Celenza, Jr., Perry (late Catherine) Celenza both of Houston, TX and Valerie Celenza of Albany, NY; four grandchildren Laura, Catherine, Maureen and Mark Chaisson, one sister Lena (Peter) Vendrillo of Lewiston, NY and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Joseph was predeceased by his brother, Louis Celenza

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 23rd, at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of the Cataract Church, 259 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, NY for a celebration of Joe's life with Rev. Jacek Mazur officiating. Interment at the convenience of the family will be in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorial donations may be made to Roswelll Park Alliance Foundation, RPCI, PO Box 631, Buffalo NY 14240 or to the Niagara Falls Boys Club, 725 17th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.