Louis A. Ceci Sr., 87, of Lafayette Avenue, Tamaqua, died Friday, October 31, 2008, at his residence. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Abramo and Lucy (Narducci) Ceci. Lou owned and operated State Farm Insurance, Tamaqua, for more than 45 years, retiring in 1989. A 1939 Coaldale High School graduate, Lou attended McCanns School of Business after graduation. Lou was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Tamaqua America Legion and AMVETS. A member of the Tamaqua Lions, he was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship. Lou was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Tamaqua, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society, Men of Malvern, and 4th Degree Knight of Tamaqua Knights of Columbus, Father Henry Baker Lodge. He was a past president of the Tamaqua School Board, holding that position in 1962 while the football team won the state title. Survivors: Wife of 62 years, Mrs. Mildred T. (Apanavage) Ceci; six daughters, Janice A. (Ceci), wife of Michael Mazur of Tamaqua, Nancy L. (Ceci), wife of David Reed of Andreas, Carol A. (Ceci), wife of Daniel Gould of Schnecksville, Theresa R. Terri (Ceci), wife of Michael Miorelli of Allentown, Patricia A. (Ceci), wife of Larry Sheaffer of Hummelstown, Donna M. (Ceci), wife of Arthur D. Fuehrer of Zion Grove; two sons, Louis A. Ceci Jr. and wife Michelle of Tamaqua, David A. Ceci of New Tripoli; sister, Dolores Carnevalino of Philadelphia; 22 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers, Daniel and Anthony. Services: Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2008, at E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home Inc., 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, with the Holy Name Society holding services at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 307 Pine St., Tamaqua, with Rev. William Linkchorst officiating. Interment will be at Sky-View Memorial Park, Tamaqua. Contributions: Mass cards or memorials to Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church or Lions Charities, P.O. Box 14, Tamaqua, PA 18252.

Published in the Morning Call on 11/1/2008