Joseph Edward Cecala

His loving wife Kathleen of 46 years, his three children, Joseph Cecala Jr., Kristen Blackburn and husband,Jason, Patrick Cecala II, and wife, Rebecca; and his five grand children, Jesse and Emilia Blackburn, Vincent and Nicholas Cecala, and Ripley Cecala Schiavone survive Joe, along with too many to mention nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Benedetto J. Cecala, mother Mary Cecala, and brother Patrick Cecala and wife Lana.

Joe was born on June 12, 1947 in New York City to Benedetto and Mary Cecala and would proudly identify himself as life long New Yorker, a La Salle Academy alum, and most importantly, a United States Marine. After serving his country as a young officer in the USMC, Joe quickly made a name for himself in the business arena while contemporaneously starting a family with his beloved Kathleen – his most proud accomplishment.

Joe distinguished himself early in his military career as a problem solver, task master, and leader; all skills that would translate well into the private sector and that would earn him several high level positions, including Vice President Hotel Operations Milford Consultants, Executive Vice President IZOD/Lacoste, Executive Vice President of Entertainment Properties (New England Patriots) and in Hong Kong as Executive Director of Murjani Industries (Gloria Vanderbilt Products) and Managing Director of Hirsh Enterprises.

These experiences allowed Joe and his family an adventurous life marked with historic celebrations, and his magnanimous personality helped spark unbreakable friendships around the world. Who does not remember the first time they met Joe Cecala? Who could forget a Cecala party?

His early life endeavors would fortuitously lead Joe and Kathy back to New York City and to what Joe would say was his “dream job” as General Manager of the Holiday Inn – Midtown (now The Watson Hotel). With all three children attending college, Joe’s third act would be nothing less than remarkable as he would continue to distinguish himself as a mentor, friend, and patron of the arts, as well as a father figure to many under his command at the hotel.

Joe will be remembered as a devoted husband, dedicated father, and beloved “Papi” to his family. To his friends and neighbors he will forever be the showman they considered the “Mayor of 57th Street.” To all he will be remembered as a force of nature; sometimes a rip current that you’d be damned to swim against, but most often a wave that would push you to higher ground.

A two-day visitation period will be held at Frank E. Campbell Funeral chapel located at 1076 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10028 on Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm and Sunday, June 16, 2019 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, June 17th, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostles Catholic Church, 405 West 59th Street, New York, NY 10019 with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

https://www.nationaljewish.org/giving