Tribute Page for Thomas Celic

Thomas Celic

Cross-country running was something that Thomas Celic learned from his older brother Marty when Tom was a freshman at Monsignor Farrell High School in Staten Island and Marty was the track coach.

"Marty was the one who got him running," recalled Tom’s wife, Roseanne. And he kept on running, long after Marty Celic, a New York City firefighter, was killed in the line of duty in 1977. Tom Celic ran in races in Staten Island, and in the New York City Marathon, in which he typically finished in the top 300. "He just loved it," Mrs. Celic said. "Running was his passion."

Mr. Celic, 43, who worked at Marsh & McLennan, was close to both his families -- his own and the one he joined by marrying Roseanne, a Staten Island girl whom he met when she was 17 and he was 19. "He was a great son-in-law," said John Tasso, his father-in-law, who lived five minutes away. "Whenever they would go out, they would ask us to go, and include us."

After Sept. 11, Roseanne Celic discovered that she was not the only one who thought her husband was funny. His old clients called to tell her stories, and at the memorial service, the church was filled with firefighters from Ladder 17, his brother’s company. "He made a lot of people laugh, and when he laughed, it was really such a joyous sound that you just laughed too," she said.

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I first met Tom in 1979. He was a student then and he worked part time in the Communications Department of Johnson & Higgins where I was an art director. In the time I knew him he graduated from college, got engaged to Roseanne, a girl he loved very much, got married and became a full time employee in the Casualty Department. He was always a lot of fun. I discovered he was at the Trade Center on the first anniversary of 9/11 when his name was read. I thought surely it was a different Tom Celic but after calling several people I discovered to my great sorrow that it was Tommy. I think of him so often now and wish he could still be with us.

Carol Cranmer Bennett, 9/11/2008 4:32:49 PM

Tom was the rarest person, a man of wit and humor for sure, but also a man of caring and honor in its finest sense. People like Tom bring hope into what is sometimes a dark and difficult world and that is how I will always remember Tom. He was a person who gifted his family, friends and colleagues with hope and encouragement. He was a person who having overcome loss and pain in his own life wanted nothing more than to help others deal with those same sort of issues wherever they may encounter them in their own lives. Tom's gifts; faith, hope and love, are a part of every thought I have of him. Honored to have been his friend, he is with me every day; part of my prayers and thoughts he helps make real, that part of each of us which is reserved for the best and brightest of our aspirations. For each of us whom you touched, thank you Tom, may God Bless you always.

Ken Rado, 9/11/2008 11:15:30 AM

One of the friendliest people I've ever met. A great runner, and true gentleman. Tom lived next door to my father's friend Stevie. At the time I met him, I was on the Wagner High School cross-country team. Tom was always very helpful to me and we always spoke when we saw each other at the races. I run the Celic Memorial Race every year to honor him, and this year wound up winning the Law Enforcement Award. The first thing my father told me was that Tom would've been proud. I had heartburn that race and was coming off of working a midnight. I felt lucky to finish but, somehow, ran a PR. I know Tom was watching down on me and helped me through it. Thank you, Tommy.

Joe Del Sole, 10/21/2006 12:28:28 AM

Tom - 4 years ago today - you were taken from us. Yesterday - I ran the Celic Run, something that you held so close to your heart. I ran my "personal best" time"! I am honored to help keep Marsh involved with the Celic Run - and will be there for years to come - to honor you. You were my Group Leader for a short time, but you did so much for me in those few months. I am truely blessed to have worked for you! You are missed deeply, but certainly not forgetten! Thank you for everything... Jenn

Jenn Cowan, 9/11/2005 7:58:04 AM

I consider Tom a colleague and a friend. Tom was one of the nicest and friendliest epople at this firm. He wasa one of the first to welcome me here and included me right away with his clients and we had some very nice success placing several environmental insurance programs. We also spent some social time together - a few beers after work - and I got to know him even better.

In the months after 9/11, the firm moved someone else into Tom's office, which was a few doors down from mine. His nameplate remained on the door for a week or so after that and everytime I walked by I would see his name. One day I cold not stand to see this other person sitting in Tom's office with Tom's name stil on the door, so I took the nameplate and have kept it in my office under the American flag hanging in my window.

Tom Celic was truly a first-rate person and I miss him. I see Tom's name every day, pray for his family and think of him often.

Daniel R. Lavoie, 10/2/2003 11:24:16 AM

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