September 15, 2015
Roberto (Bob) J. Cella, of Cornwall on Hudson, NY and long time Ramsey, NJ resident, entered into eternal rest on Friday, September 4, 2015. He was 88.
The son of Carlo and Marion Bradicich Cella of Ridgewood, NJ, Bob was born on March 25, 1927 in Paterson, NJ.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, of 62 years, his four children: Robert J. Cella & wife, Connie of Monroe, NY, Donna Cella & husband, Craig Gimenez of Campbell Hall, NY, Chris Cella of Cairo, NY, and Sandy Cella Welch & husband, Sanford of Cornwall on Hudson, NY. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Chaz & Rylee Cella, Lauren, Robbie & Christopher Cella and Denyse Welch LaVallie & Dana Welch, plus Bob's sister, Michaela Cella, and numerous nieces, nephews & their families. Bob was pre-deceased by his siblings, Catherine Ebbert Hall, Carlo Cella, Elena Cella Stockslager, Marion Cella Banta, & Edward Cella.
Bob served honorably in both World War II (Coast Guard) and the Korean War (Navy), although admittedly was often sea-sick and “carried a bucket” while on board the ships. Both Bob and his wife, Becky, were very active in the community. Bob was appointed to the Ramsey Youth Guidance Council in 1974 and served as President for 12 years. He was Chairman of the Ramsey Juvenile Conference Committee for 10 years, Bob worked tirelessly on the West Bergen Mental Health Center Board of Directors where he served for 15 years and was President for 5 and was responsible for raising $900,000 for West Bergen's new building in Ridgewood, NJ. In 1990, he was presented with the State of New Jersey Senate Citation and the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders Certificate of Commendation for his contributions to the community. As co-founder of the Ramsey Drug Alliance in 1991, he raised money for the organization to publish a pictorial book titled “Keeping Ramsey's Past Alive.” In 2003-2004, he was named Volunteer of the Year from the New Jersey Governors Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Bob was a Director of the Mahwah Chamber of Commerce for 12 years and a member of the Selective Service for 20 years. He helped organize the “Ramsey Response Team” and served on several committees at Ramapo College. In 1949, Bob began his 50 year career in the Automobile Industry at LaWall Motors in Ridgewood, NJ, Artsma Chevrolet in Wyckoff, NJ, and then the Chrysler Corporation. In 1967 he joined Jaguar Cars of America in Mahwah, NJ, as District Sales Manager for 25 years, followed by 7 years as a consultant.
Bob will be remembered not only for his service to the community and driving a new Jaguar every month, but for his dedication to his family, friends and his ability to put people at ease with his great sense of humor.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Bob Cella's Life will be held at the Ramsey Country Club, 105 Lakeside Drive, Ramsey, NJ on Tuesday, September 29 at 11:30AM. Attendees are encouraged to share memories of how Bob touched their life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to NJ Alzheimer's Association - 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 (ALZ.org). Arrangements are by Richard J. Sullivan and Kevin Quigley of Quigley Bros. Funeral Home. To send condolences or share memories please go to www.Quigleybros.com.
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