Celeste Rose (Vacca) Smith, age 90, a lifelong resident of Ansonia, entered eternal rest on March 14, 2026, at Masonicare at Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton, with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late James E. Smith.
Born in Derby on September 26, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Jennie (Vane) Vacca. Celeste was a graduate of Assumption School in Ansonia, Ansonia High School Class of 1953, and Stone Business School in New Haven. She was a homemaker who lovingly cared for her home and family. As she raised her family, Celeste also enjoyed joining her family’s business as a bridal consultant for Marie Antoinette Bridal Salon in Derby and later worked for some time at the former Service Merchandise in Derby. She was very proud of her Italian heritage and enjoyed passing down family traditions especially when hosting holidays. In her earlier years, Celeste was a singer and she loved listening to music. She was a devout communicant of Assumption Church in Ansonia. Celeste had a kind heart and a deep love for her animals. She was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and always cheered on her most favorite player, Derek Jeter.
Celeste leaves to cherish her memory, sons, James M. Smith of Ansonia, William N. Smith of Orange, and Nicholas C. Smith (Pamela Wilkie) of Stamford, daughters, Mary Ellen Powers (Timothy) of West Haven, Jennifer Appleby (John) of Colchester and Susan M. Smith of Derby, brother, Michael Vacca (Sue) of Hamden, grandchildren, Olivia Powers (Jason Petrillo), Victoria Smith, Jared Smith and Keegan Appleby along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Bishop Wicke for their wonderful care of Celeste.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 9:30-11:00 am in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. Her funeral will then proceed to Assumption Church in Ansonia for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am. Interment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. To sign Celeste’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinrlliricciutifh.com.