Dr. Donald A. Celaschi – Charleroi
Dr. Donald A. Celaschi, 87, of Charleroi, passed away peacefully at the Residence at Hilltop, with his family by his side, after an eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on July 17, 1933, in Charleroi, he was the son of the late Albert and Florence Celaschi. Dr. Celaschi was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish. Donald was a Charleroi Area High School graduate, Class of 1951. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh, his master’s degree from West Virginia University and his doctorate degree from American University in Washington, D.C. He was director of special education in Montgomery County School District in Maryland for 13 years before becoming superintendent of the Charleroi Area School District for 20 years before retiring in 1996. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his dedication to all the students he serviced. He married the love of his life, Arlene Bogdan Celaschi in 1954 and they would have been married for 67 devoted years this September. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather. Surviving in addition to his wife, Arlene, are two daughters and a son, Susan (Richard) Ratliff of Gaithersburg, Md.; Daniel and Nancy Celaschi of Port Deposit, Md.; and Cathy (Ronald) Moffit of Charleroi. Donald was blessed to be known as “Pap” to his six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren – all of whom he adored. The grandchildrens are Pamela Shuler (Chris), Timothy Ratliff (Kendra), Kimberly Sholtz (Scott), Kathleen Santiago (Jeremy Baughman), Bethany Carcella (Brody) and Abby Moffit (Paul Peters). The great-grandchildren are Makayla, Alex and Gabby Shuler, Jayden, Bronx and Jaxson Santiago, Julia and Drew Ratliff and Tenley Carcella. Donald also leaves behind two brothers and a sister, Victor and Alberta Celaschi, Delbert and Sally Celaschi and Karen and Robert Leonard; along with several nieces and nephews. Donald lived a full life dedicated to helping his family, friends and community. He was a past president of the Charleroi Rotary Club, he worked with the Boy Scouts, Special Olympics and served on the John K. Tener Library Board. He was an honorary life member of the Pennsylvania Congress of Parents and Teachers, a member of Charleroi-Monongahela Masonic Lodge No. 337, Independent Order of Odd Fellows Charleroi Lodge No. 1030, a past worthy patron of Eastern Star Monessen Chapter 205 and a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul. His memory will live on through his loving family and all the children he was committed to serve for their education. His family would like to thank all the staff members at The Residence at Hilltop for their excellent care of Donald. Due to COVID-19, services will be private for the family only. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 17, 2021, at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Charleroi. Interment will follow at Monongahela Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to SCHROCK-HOGAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Donald’s name to a charity of one’s choice or to the Charleroi Area School District Education Foundation, CASDEF, Post Office Box 382, Charleroi, PA 15022. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.schrock-hogan.com.
