Ralph Richard Celli

Ralph Richard Celli passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021 peacefully. Ralph was known in the Tri-Cities area as the “Bud Man.” He loved working for Lee Distributing Company and the Sisisky family for many reasons as the Executive Vice President of operations for many years.
Ralph was involved in sponsoring many events for the Tri-Cities area. Some events included Thursday at the Works, Nostalgia Fest and the Fourth of July Fireworks at Fort Lee. He especially loved doing activities for the soldiers stationed at Fort Lee. He also arranged for the famous Budweiser Clydesdales to attend many events.
Ralph was also active and involved in several civic organizations such as Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Chamber of Commerce, and seminars for sensible drinking and drug programs.
He treated all of his customers, whether big or small, with quality customer service. His biggest passion was visiting different restaurants and getting them to remove all beer on tap (especially Miller products) other than Budweiser products.
Ralph enjoyed dancing, music, golf, and attending yearly Budweiser conventions held in many big cities from coast to coast where he met a lot of celebrities throughout the years. He also loved taking cruises.
Ralph was born on July 6, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York to Umberto Celli and Phyllis Calandra Celli. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sister Rachele Celli Gerig, Brother Albert Celli, and his in-laws CMS Weaver and Elnora Davis.
Ralph is survived by his wife Constance(Connie) Davis Celli, daughter Christi Celli, son’s Jason Celli and Michael Celli, daughters Tori Celli Abernathy(fiancé’ Bobby Gregory), Rachel Celli Faison(husband Jay Faison), and Hilary Hagan. Grandchildren Kelsie Jean Faison, Michael Celli, Justin Celli, Joey Celli, Joseph Street(wife Shelby), Julie Street and great-grandchildren MacKenzie and Natalie. Sisters Alane Celli and Louise O’Neill, Sister and Brother-in-law Melodee and Glenn Nelson, Brother and sister-in-law Greg and Janet Davis, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his beloved yorkie Abby. Special friends, Brad and Candy Thomas and James Kvasnicka who were there for him during his illness, Father Jim Gallagher, formally of Sacred Heart Church.
Special thanks to Kelly and Tracie from Crater District Hospice and Dinwiddie Health and Rehab Center for the wonderful care given to Ralph.
Visitation will be held for family and friends on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 from 6-8pm at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home located at 103 S. Adams St. Petersburg, VA 23803.
A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 11:00am at The Church of the Sacred Heart located at 9300 Community Ln, Petersburg, VA 23805.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to American Cancer Research, The Wounded Warriors Foundation, or a charity of your choice in memory of Ralph.