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IndependentsApr 27, 2022
NY Jeweler Antonio Celi Dies at 83
He was a “jeweler’s jeweler,” whom other makers across the country turned to for assistance.
Amherst, New York—Antonio Celi, a jeweler who created custom pieces and helped other makers with theirs, died Feb. 20 in Amherst, New York.
He was 83.
He was 83.
Celi was born in Sicily in 1938. His family moved to Florence, Italy, after World War II. He was one of seven boys, according to a local obituary.
Once his artistic talents started showing, he began training as a silversmith at an early age.
He moved to Toronto in 1970, where he and his brothers opened a store and jewelry manufacturer.
It was there he met his future wife, Martha, who was in town visiting a friend.
The two were married in 1973. After moving to Los Angeles and Miami, they relocated to Martha’s native Buffalo, New York, to be closer to her family.
There, he set up a workshop and retail store and became known as a “jeweler’s jeweler,” The Buffalo News reported—he not only produced custom designs, but also was sought out by other creators from across the United States.
“If a jeweler had a difficult piece that needed to be made, he was the one to go to,” his wife told The Buffalo News. “If they had a special stone that no one else could make a jewel of, he could do it.”
Celi’s creative abilities extended into other areas. He wrote his own music and lyrics and created paintings and sculptures, but kept these more private than his jewelry.
He will be remembered by his family and friends for his warmth and creativity.
Celi is survived by his wife, Martha; son, Shaun; daughter, Leah; and brothers Joseph, Domenico, Philip, and Ugo.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, May 5, at Zurbrick-Amigone Funeral Home in Lancaster, New York. Interment will follow in the Transit Rural Cemetery.
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