John Rocco Cellucci, MSCE (July 3, 1929– March 6, 2024)

Beloved husband of 61 years to the late Edna Hobson Cellucci, loving father of Kathleen C. Cellucci, Esq. (Joseph Hare) and John H. Cellucci, Esq. (Suzana Kroeff), Devoted brother of the late Joseph, Philip, and Frank Cellucci, Theresa "Anna" Miller, Mary Petta, and Gloria Martino. Adored adopted Grandfather of Casey Hare, Joseph Hare (Caroline) James and George McGrath, favorite "Uncle John" to his nephews and godsons Frankie Cellucci, James De Matteo, and John Cellucci Miller, the infamous "Hobson Boys" and their sister Gigi and cousin Janalyn Hobson Steinel (Garratt Lauderie), cherished "Second Father " to Frank Puskus, Steve Mellor Joe Finio, Jennifer and John O'Lock, Alberto Alfonsi, Joe and Bonnie Smith, Aaron Castro, Armindo Nasciniento and his revered "best friend" James Affleck.

Mr. Cellucci was an active member of both his social and political community, always helping others and always providing advice and counsel to his family and friends. His career as a building contractor, civil engineer, and land development entrepreneur was varied and extensive, including constructing new homes, community housing developments, shopping malls, and producing pre-stressed concrete highway bridges.

Mr. Cellucci received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University) in 1952, and immediately was commissioned in the United States Army in the Army Corp of Engineers. Following training in Texas, he deployed to Korea and served with the 344th Engineering Battalion as a Company Commander, building airfields, MASH Hospitals, and other support facilities for the US Army and the US Air Force, and earning a Battle Star for that service. Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to PMC as an assistant professor of Civil Engineering, and earned his Masters Degree. It was during this period that he began to develop an expertise in the fabrication of pre-stressed concrete highway bridge components, eventually culminating in his securing contracts to fabricate a number of the highway bridges for Interstate Route 80 across Pennsylvania. In the late 1960's, Mr. Cellucci was the Executive Director of the Chester Housing Development Corporation. Also during this period, he acted as a consultant to the Williamson Free School of the Mechanical Trades, establishing their program of instruction in construction engineering, and serving as a member of the school's faculty. Throughout his life, he never stopped being involved in education. From 1952-2002, Mr. Cellucci was an active member of the PMC and Widener Alumni Association, and was a Vice President on the Alumni Board of Widener University.

Mr. Cellucci had a profound impact on education. His vision to grow Widener University, and inspiring people to "Give Back" resulted in millions of dollars being raised for the school, and its acquisition of Delaware Law School, which he helped come to fruition with his dear friend and President of the University, Clarence Moll. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Widener, as well as the Board of Overseers of the Widener University School of Law, receiving the Outstanding Service Award (1999) and the Outstanding Alumnus Award (1989) from Widener University, and the Outstanding Service Award (1987), and the Liberty Bell Award (1980) from the School of Law.

John also served on the Boards of the PA Homeland Security Committee, Law Enforcement, and Justice System's Subcommittee on Courts and Corrections, as well as the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts' Public Access to Paper Records Working Group, and the Magisterial District Judge System Re-Write Project Committee.

John was one of two businessmen appointed by Governors Ed Rendell (D) and Tom Corbett (R) to serve as a non-lawyer Judge on two respected judicial boards of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was a prominent member of both the PA Board of Judicial Discipline (1999-2010 member) (2009-2010 Chairman), and the PA Court of Judicial Conduct (2011-2015) (2015 President). These boards had the authority to investigate complaints made against Judges, and, if appropriate, the authority to effect the Judge's removal from the bench. He was extremely proud of this service and loved to show people his Judges' badge.

Mr. Cellucci served in the US Army during a time of war, but there was no fanfare given for those that served in Korea (perhaps because it was deemed a "conflict"), but 70 years later, in 2022, recognition was bestowed.

The other organization that became a focus for John and Edna was the Ocean City Pops Orchestra. They already summered at the Jersey Shore in Avalon. John built the home on week-ends with one helper and completed the house in only 2 years. They also had always been Patrons of the Arts and quite literally sponsored all the costs for several musicians and singers over the decades, but with the Pops came a host of friends and socializing and more black tie parties. Of course they and their children also were the "Entertainment" for many fundraisers.

Edna played the piano and organ and both John and Edna sang. The sang all over the world in their travels to Russia, China, Ireland, England, France, Germany, Greece etc. Whether it was a pub, castle, church, manor home or even the airport they sang. Land, sea or air, music was in the air. But what really made John Cellucci unique was his ability to talk with people at their level. He had a number of ways of connecting with people. He always told a long story so you could understand a point or he just had a good old time making you smile. Here is a typical story:

Dear Kate,

Mr. C and I were laughing about the time we went fishing in Stone Harbor a couple of years ago. On the way, we had stopped by Brady's on Ocean Drive in Avalon to grab something for lunch. The man made friends everywhere he ventured. Effortlessly. We went to pay for our purchase and in discussion with the cashier, he finds out that she is Italian too. He then proceeds to serenade her with one hand on his heart and the other in the air as we were walking out. The whole place lit up! Quite the spectacle. –John O'Lock (Adoptee)

Relatives and friends are invited on Thursday March 14th, Visitation from 9:30 to 10:45 AM with Funeral Mass to start at 11:00 at St. Monica Church, 63 Main Ave., Berwyn PA.  Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Blue White Scholarship Foundation , Disabled American Veterans or to Mount America Foundation.