Obituary of Celeste Jean Mauro

Celeste Jean Mauro 71, of Northport, New York, died Monday, April 10, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.

Celeste was born and raised in Brooklyn along with 4 siblings by her parents Estelle and Peter Denis Mauro. She graduated from Adelphi University in 1972 as an art major and soon after began a long and fulfilling career as a teacher in Roslyn High School, NY where she taught fine art, photography, and media arts. She married her husband Carlos Montero in 1986 and soon after they settled in Northport, LI where they lived together for over 30 years. Celeste was affiliated with several Long Island art centers including The Huntington Art
League, The Huntington Art Council, and B.J. Spoke. Her work was widely featured in shows throughout Long Island and was highly regarded by her colleagues and supporters of the arts. She was devoted to her craft until the very end and tirelessly explored new mediums and techniques to express her creative muse.

In April of 2017, Celeste, along with fellow artist Demerise Perricone, opened Gallery 67 on Main Street in Northport, NY. The gallery featured works by some of Long Island’s finest artists including Celeste’s. Sadly, she had to close the gallery three years later, when her battle with cancer became overbearing.

Celeste’s creative expression was not limited to fine arts. A student of interior design and landscaping, her home served as her palette which she forged into a nature sanctuary adorned with decks, gardens, and pergolas, all of her design – a living tribute to her artistic vision. A culinary master, even meals cooked by Celeste were like a work of art and the next day, leftovers were somehow magical – she always managed to make the mundane sublime. Celeste had a gracious and generous personality. She would often surprise friends and families with gifts she had either painted or crafted, and her laughter and wit were infectious. Family meant everything to her, and she hosted magnificent annual family gatherings that often lasted several days. No act of kindness was too big for Celeste, and it was her greatest joy to share a smile with those she loved.

Celeste is survived by her husband Carlos (Montero), siblings Robert (Mauro), Mary (Mauro Ferrara), Carole (Mauro Curtis), and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation at cholangiocarcinoma.org. Visiting Nolan Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Ave, Northport, Saturday, 4-7 PM. Prayer service during visitation at 5:30 PM. Private cremation to follow.