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Obituary of Celeste Elizabeth Ciaccia
Ciaccia, Celeste E. (1951-2025)
Celeste E. Ciaccia, 74, of Pittsford, NY on October 5th after a brief illness.
Celeste is predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Cecilia Ciaccia and is survived by her sisters Maria and Mary Jo Ciaccia, brothers Victor and Anthony (Ann Costello), niece Meredith (Jared) Pierce, nephews Paul (Ingrid) Ciaccia and James Ciaccia, many cousins and friends, and her beloved dogs Gina and Liam.
Celeste was a creative soul who loved writing, literature (especially Shakespeare), theater (including an annual trip to Stratford, Ontario for The Shakespeare Festival), and music. In her personal and professional lives, Celeste was a fierce advocate for the underdog.
Her career started as a social worker in Aylesbury, England and continued with the Monroe County Department of Social Services as both a social worker and a paralegal. Before retirement, Celeste worked for the Monroe County Public Defender’s office.
A dedicated volunteer, Celeste shared her time and expertise with The Open Door Mission, The Margaret House, and Daystar Kids. She performed ministries for the Sisters of Saint Joseph, including funerals for people who were indigent and providing legacy planning the support to people experiencing homelessness. Celeste was deeply committed to advancing animal rights and supported many animal rescue organizations throughout her life.
Celeste was such a kind, intelligent, and thoughtful person to her family and friends, to animals, and to anyone who was fortunate enough to be in her orbit. We will miss her terribly.
A memorial gathering will take place Sunday, November 2nd from 12-3pm at the Harris Family Center (570 Kings Highway S, Rochester, NY 14617). There will be a Memorial Mass celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Thursday 11/27/25 at 9:00 AM. Private burial at White Haven Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to local causes close to Celeste’s heart: Daystar Kids, The Margaret Home, or Duffy’s Friends.
