John Leonard Celaya

July 21, 1934 - April 2, 2021

Born to Abigail and Julia Celaya on July 21, 1934 John Leonard Celaya was the third of ten children. As brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend John worked, lived in faith, loved and provided for his family all the days of his life. In peace, he passed with his family by his side on Good Friday-April 2, 2021 at the ripe age of 86. His wife Cruz, and children Monica, Rita, Jeannie, and Victor survive him. He never hesitated to tell his family how much he loved them. As hard-nosed as he was, he could break down and cry at the thought, memory, or simply the presence of his family. As a father, John dedicated himself to providing, protecting, and passing on his wisdom be it budgeting, creative fix-it projects, faith, his hard-work ethic, and love for family. He showed his love in the ways he knew best, even if that was spending the entire day fixing a screen door or cleaning every bit of grime around the kitchen faucet of his children’s homes. No matter how hard we tried to keep him from working so hard while he was visiting, we learned to let him give of himself. Grandfather to five and two more by marriage Grandpa John often told his grandchildren how much he loved them. He would both sit attentively and listen to them, and ask about each of them every time he spoke to their parents. He was always truly amazed and thankful that they were doing so many things in their lives. A true, loyal and lasting friend to so many in all his years. One who would visit when a friend was ill, would help at any call, and simply shared the joy of being in the company of those who became so dear to him. From childhood, through high school and throughout his adult life John showed his love and loyalty for friends from LA, the central valley and literally everywhere he and Cruz traveled during their sixty-one years of marriage. Baptized and raised in the Catholic faith, he completed all his Sacraments up to his final rights, which were prayed over him in the company of his children. He made certain that his children were equally educated in their religion. He sincerely gave thanks for every meal and modeled an unwavering commitment to attend church regularly (he was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Reedley, CA for forty-eight years). He is at peace, this was certain in his passing. He had done enough in all of his life and so rests for eternity in the arms of his Savior and in the company of those he loved that welcomed him into heaven. Rosary and Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Tuesday, April 20 at 1:00pm at St. Anthony of Padua Parish 1060 F Street, Reedley, CA 93654 In lieu of flowers, please contact St. Anthony’s church at (559) 638-2012 to request Mass intentions in his name. The family’s gratitude goes to Chapel of the Light for their sincere efforts to assist during this time of need.