Celeste De Seta, 98, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, September

29, 2025.

Born in Italy in 1927, Celeste immigrated to the United States in 1953, making Elizabeth her

lifelong home. From an early age, she was known for her strength, independence, and spirited

nature—qualities uncommon for young women of her time and ones that guided the way she

lived her life.

She worked for many years as a seamstress for local clothing manufacturers, dedicating

approximately 25 years to her craft. In 1980, she began working as a lunch aide for the Elizabeth

Board of Education until her retirement in 1990.

Celeste was happiest when surrounded by family. She was a devoted mother who took great

pride in her children and the lives they built. Her greatest joy, however, was found in her

grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She cherished every moment with them and filled

their lives with love and joy.

She was well known for her delicious cooking, always making sure everyone had plenty to eat,

and for her homemade tomato sauce. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and playing cards with

friends. She loved spending time at the family’s shore house, where she crabbed and

fished—often catching more than her husband, Domenico, who was the fisherman of the family.

She also treasured trips to Disney World and the memories she made there with her loved ones.

Celeste was predeceased by her beloved husband of 56 years, Domenico De Seta.

She is survived by her children, Alfredo De Seta and his wife Graceann, Franco De Seta, and Anna

Marie Owens and her husband Robert; her grandchildren, Meghan Owens Gosselin and her husband Joshua, Michael De Seta,

Kaitlyn Owens, Serena De Seta, Dominique De Seta, Mark De Seta, Robyn Owens, Dominick

De Seta, and Collin Owens; and her sisters, Carmela Bortone and Esterina Bortone.

Celeste’s legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to her family—especially her cherished grandchildren—will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. and Monday, October 6, 2025, from 8:45-9:15 a.m. at the Petruccelli Funeral Home, 232 Christine St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's R.C. Church, 853 Third Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ. Entombment is in Rosedale Cemetery, Linden, N.J.