Paul A. Cella
Paul A. Cella, age 72, of Burr Ridge, passed away unexpectedly surrounded by his loving family on Friday, March 29th. Beloved husband of Jeannie (nee Doyle); loving father of Patrick (Patti), Courtney (Chaz) Smith, Annie (Jason) Shackelford, and Michael (Sarah); devoted grandfather of Murphy, Mac, and Patrick Cella, Dominic, Lexi, and Cameron Smith, Dylan and Sloane Shackelford, and Quinn Cella; cherished brother of Cathy (Jerry) Neapolitan, John (Diane), Mary McDevitt, David (Kippy), Michael (Diana), Peter (Karolyn), and Tom (Catherine); dear son of the late Paul and Barbara; fond uncle, cousin, and friend of many.
Paul, Dad, Papa was wholeheartedly devoted to being the best husband, father, and grandpa he could be. Nothing made him happier than time spent with his wife, kids, and grandchildren. He cherished nights out with Jeannie, lunches with Patrick, regular Zoom calls with Courtney and Annie, and weekly walks with Michael. Papa was ever present at all of his grandkids’ activities, whether on the basketball or volleyball court, or football, baseball, or soccer field. He was so proud of everything and anything his family did. We will all miss his loving spirit, his witty humor, and his comforting presence.
In addition to their family, Paul and Jeannie spent countless hours with their own siblings, high school and college friends, neighborhood couples, and colleagues from Network Services and Wellness House. Paul had weekly calls with his brothers and sisters, and enjoyed many nights out with Jeannie’s sisters and brother. Paul enjoyed golf outings with his high school buddies and Illini crew, as well as White Sox Games and trips back to Champaign for basketball and football games. As a couple, Paul and Jeannie traveled around the world and country with dear friends and colleagues that turned into close friends. Paul treasured all his time with his extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Old St. Patrick’s Church, and its North Lawndale Kinship Neighbor, would be greatly appreciated. To make a donation, please go to https://pushpay.com/g/oldstpats, and toggle down to the North Lawndale Fund.
Memorial Visitation 3 to 9pm on Friday, April 5th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Family and friends to meet directly at St. John of the Cross Parish, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs on Saturday, April 6th for an 11am Memorial Mass. Interment will take place privately.
Funeral information: 708-352-6500
Paul will be missed by all of us who were privileged to know him. How beautifully you have summarized his influence on family, friends, and others. Love you so much my brother!
Sorry for your loss
🙏
Renee L Bakes
Facebook
What a beautiful tribute…thank you for so vividly portraying the beauty of his life.
Making many prayers for your peace.
My sincerest condolences to the Cella Family. I had the pleasure of working with Paul at Network Distribution. I always enjoyed the conversations and time we spent together. He was always willing to find a way to help. RIP.
Penny and I were privileged to have been friends with Paul and his family for decades. Two weeks before his death we enjoyed a great evening together and we will cherish those memories forever. Paul was very instrumental with the beginning of our business and was always humble in his life and shared his talents along the way. He will be missed!
Few people have led such a beautiful and meaningful life. Paul devoted his energies to all that is good, as perfectly described here. You will be missed, brother, far and wide.
I was sadly surprised to learn of Paul Cella’s passing. I knew Paul through his work at Network Distribution. He was a valued asset to the organization and a gracious person to be around. May the Lord be with the extended Cella family.
My deepest sympathy to your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I knew Paul from our old Evergreen Park days as kids. Paul was a friend and neighbor to all the Whites. God bless Paul Cella.
To the Cella family … so sorry for your loss … mine and my family’s prayer are with you.
I was fortunate to have worked with Paul for many years. Some of the thoughts and words that come to mind when I think of Paul are, “a great listener”, “truly special friend”, “great family man”, “business leader”, “wonderful grandfather”, “carried a strong faith”, “loving husband and father”. Anyone lucky enough to have known Paul will carry forward with terrific memories of him that I’m sure had a positive impact. We’ve lost a good man way too soon. My deepest sympathies to the entire Cella family. My God be with you during this very difficult time.
We are sincerely saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. Our prayers go out to Jeannie and the family.
My condolences. There is no easy way to deal with such a loss. May time bring comfort.
Jeannie, Lisa and I were so sorry to hear about Paul. We are also so glad that we ran into you two in Mexico. I worked with Paul for several years while he was at Network and I know you already know this, but he was the ultimate businessman and gentleman.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Ken and Lisa Bodie
Our deepest condolences to the Cella family. Paul was one of a kind, a great man, loved by many. He will be so missed.
I had the privilege of working with Paul for 18 years at Network. He was a great friend, a man of the highest integrity, always a team player and a dedicated advocate of those who worked for him. He will be missed! Blessings to you, Jeannie , and to the entire Cella family.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these hardest of times.
Jeanie I am saddened to read of the sudden passing of Paul. You two are forever part of my happy memories as grade school classmates of Queen of Martyrs. You have my sympathy and prayers.
Paul was my neighbor for 17 years. What a kind and genuine individual who raised a tremendous family. You will be missed. Condolences to the Cella family.
Sincere condolences to Paul’s family on their loss.
Sorry to hear about Paul’s passing. I enjoyed our time coaching at St. John’s. He always had a smile.
We will keep Paul and his family in our prayers.
There could be no greater legacy than the beautiful family that represented Paul and Jeannie with such grace and class. I was inspired by the funeral service and can only think Paul was there with us and so impressed by his children.
Dear Jeannie, It’s been decades since I’ve seen you. I resigned from St Mike’s staff in 1991. This morning I was listening livestream to the Mass at Old St Pat’s, and we prayed for Paul. I thought of you, and I send you love and a hug. I remember coming to your home and Annie was just being potty-trained and sitting on the portable toilet in the kitchen! It’s a beautiful memory for me of a loving mother and her dear daughter. I’m so sorry for your loss. May you know the abundance of God’s love for you through the love and outreach of your family and friends. Love, Dee Peppard, BVM”
We just now heard of Paul’s death. We had spoken to him recently when we ran into him while he was helping with the primary election at the Village Hall. He was always so happy & friendly. Our hearts & prayers go out to Jeannie & the whole family. God Bless you all. Deb & Tom Kmiec