Obituary of Michael J. Ceci

Michael J. Ceci “beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother” Allegany, NY—Michael J. Ceci of 93 Sherwood Drive died unexpectedly Tuesday (November 7, 2006) in his home. A native of Olean NY, Mr. Ceci was born July 30, 1921. He was the son of Domenic and Lelia L. Furey Ceci. On October 8, 1949 at Our Lady of Loretto Church in Falconer, NY he married Rose M. Messina who predeceased him December 29, 2005. Mr. Ceci was a 1940 graduate of Olean High School and then took electronics communications courses at St. Bonaventure College. He enlisted in the US Army where he served as a communications specialist with the 255th Signal Corps during WWII in the European theater. He studied photography for two years at the Southwest Photo Arts Institute of Dallas and later owned and operated Ceci Photographic Studio in Olean until the mid 1950’s. He was employed until 1958 as an agent and driver for the Railroad Express Agency which was affiliated with the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1958 he began working as chief engineer for Radio Olean, WMNS retiring in 1977. To commemorate his 85th birthday, Mr. Ceci was honored by his family and friends. He received congratulatory letters and proclamations from President George W. Bush, Senator Hillary Clinton, State Senator Catherine M. Young, and State Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany, NY and the Disabled American Veterans. He loved his home and his family. During his retirement, his passion and interest in photography led him to creating photo exhibits of his work. He also combined his photographic skills with self-taught computer technology. His creations include a website that he developed as a tribute to his wife Rose, as well as to his parents. He preserved the family history by converting many old 8 mm movies, slides, and photos to DVD format. He shared his father’s and son’s love for American automobiles and restored 2 classic cars. Surviving are two sons Michael D. (Susan) Ceci of Westfield and Dr. Jeffrey D. (Debra) Ceci of Old Bridge, NJ; 2 grandsons Christopher M. Ceci of Williamsville and Mark A. Ceci of Westfield; 2 sisters Katherine (Wilton) Baker of Olean and Lucille Barth of Olean and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by 3 sisters Theresa Ceci and Carrie Ceci, both of who died in infancy and Anne Shelander and 1 brother Francis F. Ceci . Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Visitation will continue on Friday (November 10, 2006) at the funeral home from 9:30 until 10:30am at which time a prayer service will be held. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am in St. Bonaventure Church. Fr. Richard C. Flaherty, OFM, associate pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Allegany Fire Department.