Gary Frank Celli, Sr.
It is with sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of beloved husband, father, brother and friend, Gary Frank Celli, Sr., who passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 71 after a valiant battle with cancer.
A lifelong resident of Beaumont, Gary was born on May 30, 1953, the son of Robert and Clementine Celli. He grew up on Hazel Street in the Oaks District with his 2 brothers, Bobby and Dan and younger sister Melody. It is there, where countless stories were born involving exploration throughout the streets of downtown Beaumont with their dog Footsy by their side. He was a 1971 graduate of Beaumont High and then went on to graduate from Lamar University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business.
Gary was 27 years old when he met a recent Texas A&M graduate that quickly became the love of his life: Terri Crabtree. Gary and Terri were married on December 17, 1983, and then welcomed 3 boys between 1985 and 1987 (all of which became Aggie grads, much to his chagrin, and a fact that has evoked spirited and playful debates for years and years). He treasured moments with his family. As a devoted father, those boys were his pride and joy. His fondest memories were spent at the baseball park either coaching his boys or enthusiastically cheering them on while keeping the refs in line at their second home for many years: West End Little League Ballpark.
A natural born salesman, he worked in commercial refrigeration with his brother Bobby for several years. Gary and Bobby started Interstate Distributors Commercial Refrigeration and Restaurant Equipment, and they received Small Business Men of the Year. In 2002, Gary embarked on an entrepreneurial venture with Flagship Mailroom and Emporium, a Beaumont staple in gifts and shipping & packaging. Soon after acquiring the business, he convinced Terri to retire from teaching elementary school and together they ran the business for 25 years. Throughout the years he was an active member of his community, serving as a board member of the Sabine Restaurant Association, Past Chairman of Taste of the Triangle, Board Member and Past President of Sales and Marketing of Southeast Texas, Board Member of the Texas Retail Grocers Association, Past President of Pony League, Board Member of City, Parks & Recreation and long supporter of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, hosting their annual holiday Mixer at The Mail Room for 25 years.
Gary’s favorite ways to pass the time were taking his beloved granddaughters on golf cart rides around the neighborhood. He enjoyed travels with his family, whether it was to their house at Crystal Beach, the hill country of Texas or bringing the family to the “homeland” in Italy. He loved golf outings with his sons and various friends.
His memory will be cherished forever by his beloved wife of 41 years, Terri, of Beaumont; his 3 sons, Gary “Frank” Celli, Jr. and wife Katie; William Celli and wife, Courtney; and Michael Celli and wife, Emily, all of Beaumont. He is also survived by his brother, Bobby Celli and wife, Sarah; and sister, Melody Celli-Fulgham and husband, Greg; brother-in-law, Guy Crabtree and wife, Rhonda; and his granddaughters, the lights of his life, Marabeth Kate, Lyla Elizabeth and Alexis Claire. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews, Tiffany, Christy, Melissa, Megan, Keith, Cody Michael, Kyleigh, Morgan Taylor, and Paige, all of which made him so proud.
Gary is preceded in death by his father, Robert Celli; his mother, Clementine Celli; and his brother, Dan Celli.
Memorial contributions for Mr. Celli may be made to the West End Little League, P.O. Box 5853, Beaumont, Texas 77726; Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601; or M.D. Anderson, PO Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486.
A gathering of Mr. Celli’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with his memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- May 10, 2025
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- May 10, 2025
- 2:00 pm
I just learned today of Gary’s passing. I opened up a mailbox at the Flagship Mailroom in 1995. First time I met Gary was in the early 2000s. As I left Beaumont and moved off, I kept that box and every time I came into town I visited with Gary. He was always in good spirits. Especially after ordering those 55 inch TVs and having them delivered to FM.. He called me immediately to come pick them up and was waiting for me outside in the back. He will be missed.
Gary old friend, gosh every time I go to the grocery store or Jacks Pak It and we would see each other —the hour long conversation would commence on our sorrows for our beloved Dallas Cowboys. But you always knew how to fix the problem. In that hour I would quickly gain new hope and faith that we could turn our sorrows into victory. That is the man I knew. One of hope, faith and love. These are the words Jesus us reminds us are the only permanent things in our life and Gary you lived those virtues daily. Whether it was Terri or the boys, you were there always being the protector and the one with so much love for them. Love is the greatest of these virtues and you are one of the best of men I have known. Peace to you and Peace to Terri and “The Boys” aka your three sons. Mitchell Toups
We are so sorry for your loss. Gary never met a stranger. He was a kind person and had a great sense of humor. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.
So sorry Terri for the loss of Gary. He was such a a kind man and a gem to work with. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So very sorry to hear of the passing of such a fine,well respected,loving,and generous man.Gary will be missed by all who knew him.Thinking of and praying for u and the family .
Gary was one of the best! He was like a 2nd Father to me growing up and I could always count on him. Prayers to everyone!
This world was certainly made a better place because of Gary. His welcoming arms, gentle smile and verbal humor will be missed.
My prayers, sympathy and love go out to Terri and the entire Celli family.❤️
Terri, I was so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. We’ve enjoyed shopping with y’all at the Mail Room over the years. We were happy to know such fine people. Heartfelt prayers to you and your family. May God bless you with His Peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Terri – I have just heard about Gary. We are all so sorry to have lost him. What a great guy. And so many memories with all the boys. Our hearts go out to you all.
Love,
Ruthie & Gene Burrus
What can one say about Gary. He was bigger than life itself. I was fortunate to have gone through school with him—from elementary through college. His personality, charm and wit attracted people to him like a moth to a
flame. Everyone wanted to be his friend. Prayers and condolences to Terri and their family and friends. RIP old friend!!
Terri, Frank, Will, Michael and family-
My thoughts and prayers have been with all of you since learning of Gary’s illness and now his passing. Gary was always so kind, friendly, and funny-he will be missed. So sorry I will be out of town for his service, but will be praying for all of you.
With love-
Stephanie
Terri and family ,
With sympathy and prayers , so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing , he was a very kind , good guy , great business man and had a great sense of humor , he will be missed .
Sincere condolences ,
Jo Ann & Buddy Hughes
This is one man we will miss!
We watched your boys grow up, Frank, William and Michael. We had our rituals…so much fun. Y’all know what I am talking about. We are so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Best Dad ever!
Terri, we have so many stories, warms my heart to think about the great fun we had…always. We got married the same year. I wish you many happy times to come. He will never be forgotten. Longtime friends forever.
We love your family and are sending prayers, hugs and love. Becky & Rodney
Dear Terri and family we are saddened by the passing of Gary. He was such a great man and I enjoyed shopping in the Mailroom when you or Gary was working. He was always so kind. We didn’t know about his cancer and we are so sorry. The only reassuring part is he suffers no more and rest in Jesus arms. Our deepest condolences to you all. Nick and Cheryl Stabile
Sorry for your loss, Willie.
Terri, I am grieving with you and praying for you. You have a special place in my heart, old friend.
Macon and I are so very sorry about Gary. He was such a kind guy who could light up the room in an instant. Terri, I’m so glad you have your beautiful family to remember all of your fond memories with. Gary will be missed by all.
With love,
Judy and Macon Ware
Sending love and prayers to Terri and the Celli family. Gary was the best & always so much fun
– he was such a big part of our Austin Jr High and BHS group.
Ever loyal,
Vivian
Our love and prayers to extended family… love shopping in the Mail Room… such a great guy… may memories bring you comfort.
Sincere condolences,
Sharon & Johnny
Dear Celli Family,
I was truly sadden to learn of Gary’s passing. I knew him when I worked for Bill Clark Pest Control, we were in various clubs together and I loved shopping at The Mailroom.
He was a kind and gentle man and always had a sweet smile on his face. May the family find comfort in knowing that he is now resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I’m sad to see this dear man go on. Rest in peace, old friend.
Cynthia and I are so sorry for your loss. May Gary‘s name always be for a blessing. May he rest in peace.
We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Bill and Sandy Snelson
This news is just a killer! So sad for the Celli family and the community. Gary was a joy to visit with when we went to the mail room. He will be missed but his fight with cancer is done and he can rest now knowing he left a wonderful legacy , three great sons, and made a difference for the better in this world of ours ! God bless the family and give them peace knowing that he is in your loving arms. ❤️
I’ve known Gary since 1976 when we worked together at Warren Refrigeration. He was always a kind and polite gentleman who was well respected. Prayers to his friends and family at this sad and difficult time.
I grew up with Gary. We attended kindergarten through high school together and were in a small cub scout troup together as kids. Speaking to his sales skills, they started when he was young. I remember Gary calling me multiple times when we were in late elementary school and he would ask, “Hey Bill, you want to go to the movies to see (latest release movie)?” I would always jump at the opportunity and say Yeah!. He would quickly follow up with, “Can your mom take us and pick us up?” 🙂 Back in the 1963 timeframe, a few of us, including Gary, would walk to the old Tower Bowling Alley after school let out at Averill elementary. We would bowl, get snacks, and listen to the Beatles on the juke box. Lots of good memories. Gary was a character back then and a nice guy. My very sincere condolences to his family.
We will all miss that sweet smile And great conversation when going into the mail room! Gary will be missed tremendously. He was so loved by everyone in the community❤️ prayers for Terri and the family as they go through a sad time. He is safe at home with his Lord👑
My thoughts and prayers are with you all-♥️
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a good friend and classmate and there will be a definitive void on this planet without him and his exceptional presence and humor. We will always have “the grin” in our hearts. GODSPEED my friend
Our condolences to Terri and the whole family. Garry always had a smile on his face and a warmth and friendship for all
I am saddened by the news. Prayers for the family!
Our prayers and condolences to the Celli family
We are so saddened to hear this news. Gary was the nicest man. I loved catching up with him when we would be in The Mail Room. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. The Goehringers
Simon and I are so deeply sorry for Gary’s passing. Sending love and comfort to your entire family as you grieve his loss.
Love,
Kevin
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you during this very hard, sad and difficult time.
So. Very sorry for such a great loss
Knowing the Celli family I will ask our LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS to bring peace and comfort during this trying time
So very sorry to hear this. I know the Cellis. Well a great nice group of people
I pray that our LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS
WILL BRING COMFORT AND PEACE TO THE FAMILY.
I remember Gary as such a great guy. He always made me laugh with his quick wit and humor. My sympathies to his family during this difficult time. Praying for peace and comfort.
Gary Celli is one of the finest gentleman and “gentle man” that you could ever hope to call as a friend! He loved big and lived with such zeal! ❤️
Stuart and I are so sad to hear about the passing of Gary. He was such a sweet man and we love the Celli family so much. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers!
So sad to hear this news. Gary was one of those friends that if you called and needed him, he was there. So many fond memories of Gary, Terri, and the boys at school sporting events, school functions, West End Little League, and especially drinking a little Red Wine and grilling steaks. Gone too soon! Prayers for the family! Love you man!
Steve
So many fond memories with Gary, Terri, and the boys. Lots from school sports, school functions, West End Little League, and red wine and steaks in the back yard! Love ya Gary! Prayers for the family!
Always,
Steve
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So sorry for your loss.
Carol & Donald Hearn
I am deeply saddened for your loss and what You all and Gary have gone through this past year. Terry, you guys are and have been in my prayers…Please know that there are no scars or pain in Heaven…Gary wasn’t a close friend but he was a really good one and a guy that I had a lot of respect for… I am so sorry…
Manuel and I are so saddened to hear of the passing of Gary. Such a great guy.
Our prayers are with you. 🙏🙏
We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Gary. On behalf of the entire team at Sanitary Supply, please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
We hope you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared with him. Our thoughts are with you, Will, and your family as you navigate this profound loss.
If there is anything we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
With deepest sympathy,
David Henderson
Sanitary Supply
Our prayers and sympathy to the celli family.