David John Celes

David John Celes passed away with his family by his side on Sunday, July 24th, 2016, in East Norriton Pennsylvania. He was 64. David was a loving husband and devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, soldier, and friend. He enjoyed long rides on his motorcycle with his wife Ginny, or as he would call her, “Boo Boo.” Naturally, she would call him “Yogi.” They were quite the pair. He loved spending time with his son and daughter-in-law, gardening with his grandkids, catching up with his friends and relatives, but he was never more happy than when he was with his family all together. Family dinners were always the best. He loved to cook and loved to eat even more. That said, it was always the people gathered around the table he appreciated the most. David loved well and was well loved.

Born the son of Jesús and Victorina Celes, David grew up on the island of Guam. He had three brothers and four sisters whom he loved dearly. When he was 17 he left the island to join the military. Professionally, David had a lot to be proud of. After 20 plus years of military service, including tours of duty in Vietnam and the Gulf War, he retired from the United States Army. He was the recipient of many service-related awards and commendations. He loved the military, he loved his country, and he was honored to serve in her defense. He was a hero. Following his retirement he spent the rest of his professional career working in the field of aviation.

In 2013, David was diagnosed with cancer. His resolve, positive attitude, and faith in God was an inspiration to everyone he knew. Chemo treatments and stays in the hospital were no match for his smile and the steely determination in his eye. He fought so hard because he loved so much. Equally as inspiring as how he fought was his trademark selflessness. His wife Ginny spent every night with him in the hospital. One morning when the nurse came in the room to do her rounds, he asked her to wake his wife, because he wanted to make sure she could get something to eat. Even in the most difficult of moments when David was weakest, his concern was always for his family.

Cancer would have won, but in the end it was Jesus who stepped in to do what the doctors could not. Bring healing. David’s faith and trust in God was no doubt the source of his strength. Hebrews 6:19 says “Now we have this hope as an anchor for our soul, firm and secure.” David knew this hope. It was an anchor for his soul. And now, he’s home.

Services of remembrance will be held  at Cornerstone Fellowship Church, 1170 Rittenhouse Rd, Eagleville, PA  on Friday, August 5th. A visitation will begin at 10:30am followed by a memorial service at 11am. Military honors and burial service will take place at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA, at 1:30 pm. Memorial contributions can be made in David's name to Wounded Warrior Project. Woundedwarriorproject.org

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