Obituary of Celestino Mirarchi

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Celestino Mirarchi was the son of Lucia Catalano & Vincenzo Mirarchi. Survived by his two sisters, Barbara Spaziano and Helen O'Donnell, both of Rhode Island, Celestino passed into the Presence of the Lord on March 12, 2014, 10:35AM at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning, California. Having reached nearly 80 years of age, Celestino embraced life as a cherished gift. A man of humble but proud beginnings, Celestino returned to the United States in 1946 after spending the better part of his childhood in Sicily, Italy during World War II. While living abroad, Celestino acted with courage beyond his years by protecting his younger sisters from enemy soldiers and sympathizers. In the absence of his father who remained in the United States, Celestino provided food, shelter and protection for his mother, aunt, and sisters during this perilous time. As recounted by his sisters, Charlie was fearless, fast, and brave, all attributing to his family's survival of the war. Celestino Mirarchi was a true family hero. Upon returning to the United States, Celestino completed his education and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 18. The valor he displayed while protecting his family during the war would now extend to his American homeland. A proud Veteran of the Korean War Era, Celestino completed his military enlistment with tours at Camp Lejeune, NC and Quantico, Virginia and returned to family in Rhode Island. His passion for the tenor saxophone, coupled with his prowess as the local Welterweight Boxing Champion, would define his future for the short term. However, Charlie was swept off his feet at an early age when he met and married Madeline Corrine Pelletier, wife and mother of his five children, in April of 1959. By way of Los Angeles, Celestino and Madeline eventually settled in Huntington Beach, California where they bought a home and raised their family. Celestino pursued his career as a meat cutter. A former meat department manager for Safeway Stores, Charlie spent the bulk of his career as owner and sole proprietor of Celestino's Quality Meats located in Costa Mesa, CA. In October of 1995, Madeline and Celestino were temporarily separated by death after his wife's long battle with cancer. "Cele" as known by many, spent his latter years as an active church member, praising the Lord through the gift of his music and daily prayer. He thoroughly enjoyed watching sports, including baseball, basketball, and boxing. He cherished his Bible and spent countless hours studying, teaching, and writing about the books and verses he loved. His favorite musical instruments were the tenor sax, soprano sax, and the organ. Celestino was quiet in a crowd but profound in speech and thought. He could converse in English, Italian, and Spanish. He touched the lives and hearts of many and made friends readily and easily. Before passing into the care of our Lord, Celestino lived to see the fruits of his life through his five children - daughter Nina Fassell of San Antonio, TX, a medical diagnostic imaging inspector employed by the State of Texas, Vincent Mirarchi, a family physician currently practicing in Dothan, AL, Joseph Mirarchi of San Antonio, TX, a captain for Delta Airlines and US Air Force Reserve pilot, John Mirarchi of Beaumont, Ca, a retired police officer, and Michael Mirarchi of San Antonio, TX, employed by the US Department of Defense. Celestino is survived in this life by his wife Patricia of the last 17 years. Along with his sisters and five children, he leaves behind a son-in-law, Robert Fassell, three daughters in-law, Teresa, Heather, and Sarah, seven beautiful grandchildren, Christopher, Brianna, Vincent, Rachel, Michaela, Jessica and Serina, two brothers-in-law, Richard Spaziano and George O'Donnell and one niece, Stephanie, daughter of Richard and Barbara Spaziano. He entered into the Joy of the Lord Jesus having lived a full & satisfied life. Celestino will always be defined not only by his faith and love of the Lord, but also by his love of family. A Banning area service will be held at the Banning 7th Day Adventist Church, 2369 W. Nicolet St, Banning, CA, on Saturday, the 15th of March at 3:00 PM. Charlie will be laid to rest following an intimate graveside service with his children, family members and personal friends at Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery, 8301 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA, on Monday, the 17th of March at 2:00 in the afternoon. Wiefels and Son Mortuary is happy to provide information for the appropriate location and delivery of flowers and can be reached at 951-849-4527. http://www.wiefelsmortuary.com