The story, images and audio of Frank Celico’s services at church and graveside is here.
Sept. 12 update: Funeral services for Sgt. Celico are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida.
Viewing will be Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 511 Old Kings Road South, in Flagler Beach.
Sept. 9
Flagler County Sheriff Don Fleming today announced the sudden death of Sgt. Frank Celico, a veteran of the force who started his career in law enforcement at the sheriff’s office in May 2000.
Celico died at Florida Hospital Flagler of natural causes, according to a sheriff’s office release. An autopsy will be conducted. Celico put in a shift at work on Thursday but went home complaining of not feeling well, and was suffering chest pains today when paramedics were called.
Celico was fit and, as an avid cyclist, had headed the Sheriff’s Office’s bike patrol. A few years ago he led free seminars for young riders, up to 15 years old, demonstrating bike safety and pit stop repair techniques. A couple of years after he started his law enforcement days at the sheriff’s office, he opened a gym with fellow-deputies, including his brother Carmine, then a police officer at the Holly Hill Police Department.
He had been promoted to sergeant after making corporal in 2007.
“The community and this agency has lost a dedicated professional. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” said Flagler County Sheriff Donald W. Fleming.
Funeral services for Sgt. Celico are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida.
Viewing will be Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 511 Old Kings Road South, in Flagler Beach.
Donna Heiss Mazzie says
Dearest Frank,
If ever there was a knight and shining armor, it was you. We are shocked and deeply saddened. Heaven has gained an angel. We will greatly miss seeing you and extend our heartfelt condolences to your family, friends and fellow officers. We are here for anything family, friends and officers need.
There are just no other words to express our deep sense of loss.
Godspeed our friend,
Donna Heiss Mazzie, Ken Mazzie, Amanda Mazzie and Holli Clark
Jennifer Knapp says
Frank,
Although we didn’t know each other very well, you were always very kind to me. You were a good friend to so many people, and many of them loved you like family.
It makes me laugh to remember how you loved to put on your “pickle suit” as you called it. You had a great sense of humor.
You will be greatly missed.
My prayers are with the Celico family.
With Love,
Jennifer Knapp
JohnnyD says
This is a terrible loss, as an up and coming graduate of the police academy, I have participated in many ride alongs with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the majority of which were with Sergeant Celico’s Squad. You couldn’t imagine a better supervisor that was dedicated to the public and his fellow deputies as much as he was. This is a tragic loss and I know that he will be missed by all. R.I.P Frankie Celico.
Marcus says
My condolences to his family. Frank will be missed. The good always die young. Rest in peace!!
Pamela Sagala says
I met Frank approx 8 years when we first moved down, he was extremely friendly and very helpful. Each and everytime I was out riding my bike he always waved. He will be missed, as a county sheriffs deputy who made a difference just with a friendly wave. May God Bless him and his family. Many prayers.
Reverend Kirk Haskell says
…you came to my home and helped me. You went above and beyond the call of duty, even when you didn’t have too. Shaking my hand whenever you were in the room. Remembering you at the National Night Out Events. There are many more Deputy’s like you, but you have stayed in my memory. You have gone home now, and the world will be missing an important soul that helped others. Thank you for that. I will pray for peace and understanding for your family. Watch over us from time to time, won’t you? GOD, keep him close.
Reverend Kirk
eddie says
RIP Frankie you will be very missed :(
Jim N says
It is not often you get to meet a dedicated, hard working and honorable man. I was privileged enough to know Frankie, watch him grow as he learned and excelled in a job he truly loved. He will sorely be missed, for that infectious smile, that “Let’s do something attitude,and unwavering dedication and professionalism to his co-workers, his supervisor’s and subordinates alike.
Good Luck on this fishing trip Frankie! Save a few BIG ONES for us….I miss you already!
lambert owner says
A great loss to our Community. Always a class act . Only met him a couple of times but he left an everlasting positive impression. I am in shock. Our thoughts and prays to out to his Family.
sarah says
Sgt. Celico, May Saint Michael take you in his wings and fly you to heaven. Watch over us. We’ll take it from here. Rest in peace.
Jenn says
Frankie was a wonderful person and a great deputy. His friendly smile and warm smile could brighten up anyone’s day. My deepest sympathy to his family, his nieces and nephews who worship him dearly. May Frankie RIP and watch over his family . You were taken home way toooo early.
Anonymous says
i new frankie almost half my life. he was a really good friend.. i reamber always seeing him at dunken donuts and i used to say hay frank u having a coffiee and donuts all cops were there hanging and bullshitting around, frankie u will be missed u were my very good friend. watch over us!!!
Jason says
I’ve known Frankie since I was in school. Later, after he became a cop he was always busting me and my friends chops for our band playing our music too loud, but he always said “turn it down” with a smile and a laugh! He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Cindy D. says
What a shock to lose someone so young, talented, friendly and hard-working. I always enjoyed running into Sgt. Celico around Flagler Beach – whether is was First Friday or a local business, Frank was always in a good mood. You could tell that he loved his career.
Godspeed Frank. Prayers to your family and friends.
Outsider says
This is so sad and tragic for someone so young. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Frank.
Anonymous says
as a retired po, i did not come across too many like him he was friendly down to earth when he talked to you and always a wave which meant a lot, my prayers for him and his family, i will miss his wave.
Jojo says
Farewell Brother, Oft the Stilly Night
Oft in the stilly night
Ere slumber’s chain has bound me,
Fond Mem’ry brings the light
Of other days around me:
The smiles, the tears of boyhood’s years,
The words of love then spoken;
The eyes that shone,
Now dimm’d and gone,
The cheerful hearts now broken!
Thus in the stilly night
Ere slumber’s chain has bound me,
Sad Mem’ry brings the light
Of other days around me.
When I remember all
The friends, so link’d together,
I’ve seen around me fall
Like leaves in wintry weather,
I feel like one
Who treads alone
Some banquet-hall deserted,
Whose lights are fled,
Whose garlands dead,
And all but he departed!
Thus in the stilly night
Ere slumber’s chain has bound me,
Sad Mem’ry brings the light
Of other days around me.
PJ says
My prayers for the Celico family as they all are just fine people.
Jack Howell says
What can one possible say to ease the pain that the Celico family is enduring? All I can say to Carlos is that your son Frank was First Class! I had the pleasure of knowing Frank for the past 10 years. His love for law enforcement was evident from the first day I met him. Frank was a true professional that has set the standard for all his peers to follow. Our community has will miss him.
Dawn says
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Celico family. I am so sorry for your loss!
R.Walters says
I met Frank a while back when he came to work at the Sheriffs Office. I really did not get to work with Frankie very much early in his career, I did however get to work closely with him over the last two years. I was assigned to the South district, he in the North. I would always tease Frankie about spending extra time at the Shell station on Old Kings, that is also the home of the DD. I started calling that his office or the “Shellico”, I knew if I wanted to find him that was a good place to find him, or wait just a while and he would show up. We spent many a nightshift talking about “business”,or discussing eachothers trials and tribulations. Frankie was always cracking a grin when he was trying to get one over on you, not a very good poker face.
Todays news about Frankie struck hard at the FCSO, but even harder for Frankies family. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Celico family, my brothers and sisters at FCSO, we will get through this, our days will not always be dark.
Frankie, rest in peace my brother.
ROBBY says
FRANKIE MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. I WILL MISS YOUR JOKES AND YOU MAKING ME LAUGH DOING CALLS WITH YOU. I’M GLAD I GOT TO SEE HIM LAST NIGHT. HE LOOKED GREAT AND WAS CRACKING JOKES LIKE NORMAL. I HAD NO IDEA THAT I WOULD BE SHAKING HIS HAND FOR THE LAST TIME. IVE KNOWN HIM SINCE 1997 AND HE ALWAYS SMILING. THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES OF HIM THAT I COULD WRITE FOR DAYS.
Brian says
I have known Frankie since high school. We had a few classes together, and were always “disrupting” the class with practical jokes and humor. After he became a cop, and I became a volunteer firefighter, we used to have our friendly debates on who was braver….cops or firefighters. We both finally agreed that both were equally brave in their own ways.
One could not ask for a better friend than Frankie. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
Rest in peace my friend.
Brian
The Ajram Family says
Our condolences to Carlos Celico’s family . Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and may he rest in peace. He will be missed.
. says
Anima eius et animae omnium fidelium defunctorum per Dei misericordiam requiescant in pace.
Michael L says
Not only is it a shame that he died, but that it happened at such a young age is just unbelievable. This makes you realize that you never know when something is going to happen even if you are perfectly healthy as I assume SGT. Celico was, being head of the bicycle unit. R.I.P. SGT Celico, a great law enforcement officer. His death is a great loss to the Sheriffs Office and he will be missed.
FlaglerNative says
This is truly a sad day, I remember meeting him for the first time at Razzles in 1996. He was younger than me but went to FPC with my wife. We use to hang out at his dad’s pizza place where Rocky is now. He was a very nice guy, I remember the white mustang he used to have. I also had one and we use to race them down Seminole Woods and do donuts in the median. I would bust his chops about that everytime I seen him in his squad car. He was a fun spirited guy and I was very glad to see him make a good life for himself. I know that he will be missed by many people.
The Geode says
Goes to show, “you never know”. Be good and do good whenever you can.
Roy Longo says
On behalf of Flagler County Professional Firefighters Association, Frankie (as he was known to us) will be greatly missed. We are thinking of Carmine and all the Deputies suffering now. God Speed Sgt. Celico.
Steve Robinson says
Carlo, I recall how proudly you spoke of your son every time I stopped by your shop. You also talked about him when we ran into each other at a benefit at Hijackers. I was so shocked to read here of his passing. I wish for strength for you and your family in this painful time.
Crystal M. says
My Prayers and thoughts are with the Celico family. RIP Frank C. you will be so missed i will miss your jolly personality…seeing you almost weekly at Walgreens…LOL
I remember just seeing you and telling you how well you looked in your suit.. its so sad how short life is.
God definatley chose a special person to take so early …hope you continue to protect us from up there as you were a great officer. Thank you and once again you will be missed.
Deborah Curbow-Valente says
Life as we have known it in Flagler County will never be the same..The tragic loss of such a wonderful human being at such a young age is unfathomable. Frankie was one of a kind and a class act. As you start your new chapter Frankie, know that you will not be forgotten. What an impression you made to everyone you met. We will miss your wit, humor, sarcasm, kindness, laugh, and smile. You have left one hell of a legacy for us to teach future generations what a real hero is. Heaven is very lucky today. We will go on as that is what you would want us to do. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, friends, and fellow officers. If there is a need, we will all be there to help fulfill it. Until we meet again, my friend….. God Bless!!!!!
WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!! LONG LIVE FRANKIE CELICO A TRUE AMERICAN HERO!!!
Concerned Koronaian says
May God watch over Frank’s family in their time of need. God bless .
palmcoaster says
This is so sad as Frank was so young. A great young man that served our community with a mile.
My deepest sympathy to his parents Carlos and Finita that adored him, his brother Carmine, his Grandma and the rest of his family.
Frank will be missed. May God keep him by his side.
Deneen M. Wilson says
My prayers to the celico family and fcso family. I am so sad, so young and such a great person. I have worked with Frankie as I call him many times during the 4th of July events when I was in Flagler working. Lord look over his family in this time of sorrow. Rest in Peace my friend. Sincerely Deneen
Bill Spada says
To The Celico Family….
My deepest condolences to the Celico family on your loss………. Reading the posts, tells me your son was loved and respected by everyone…
my prayers are with you all
Bill
Kimberly Short says
Frankie! This is such a shock to me.. I can’t believe it. Since I started working at Dunkin Donuts we have gotten so close and you were my favorite cop… I still wait for you to pull up and I hurry and make your coffee.
Medium 3 equal and cream.
I LOVE YOU SO SO SO MUCH. You will be missed by all of us Dunkin girls and by everyone in this town! You’re the best. I love you.
Lauren Borg says
He will be missed by many!
John F. Pollinger says
The shockwave of Frank’s sudden and untimely passing has rippled through the community. My sincere condolences to Frank’s family and friends and my thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. May the thoughts and prayers of others as well, bring a measure of comfort in the coming days.
Anonymous says
My deepest sympathy goes out to Frankie’s family, we have truly lost a great person, not only as an officer but as a human being, this is a very sad time not just for his family and friends and fellow officers but for the entire Palm Coast community… we will truly miss you Frankie, heaven has gained a very special angel.. may you rest in peace..
Lin says
So sad. God bless Frankie and his family.
JA says
Its not about the length of the life, but about how many peoples lives u changed during that time. Frank Celico bettered every persons life who he came in contact with. He was awesome and will be missed. God bless his family and the FCSO family. Frank was loved dearly this is a hard loss for everyone who knew him.
B.D. "Mac" MacDonald says
When the Florida Highway Patrol first assigned me to Flagler County in 1987, there were so few deputies we troopers would answer calls with them, and for them if they were busy. By the time Frankie came on, I was already pretty well known by the Sheriff’s Dept, and considered them all my friends. Frankie was introduced to me as a raw recruit, and we immediately became fast friends. Dunkin Donuts and the “Shellico” as Robbie Walters named it, became our meeting spot, work days or days off we were there. I will miss Frankie-May you rest in peace my good friend! And if there is a Heaven, then there WILL be a Dunkin Donuts there-and Frankie will be waiting there with a cup of coffee for me, Lord willing!
I consider myself fortunate to be a member of such an outstanding agency as the FCSO-and will continue to keep the Celico family in my thoughts and prayers.
Kendall, Hansen family. says
Our condolences to the Celico family . Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Godspeed, May you rest in peace and know you will be sadly missed.
F. Barbagallo says
I was off duty the other day and saw Frankie on duty doing some paperwork, parked in the shade away from the afternoon sun, I hadn’t spoken to him since his promotion…I pulled up next to him car to car. I congratulated him on making Sergeant, and although I am with another department, we talked about the upcoming shift changes and how it would affect everyone, we realized that with the changes we would be working the same shift. We are both avid fitness enthusiasts and go to the same gym…. We talked about working out together…. I’m going to miss you brother, in the gym and on the road. Save a spot in the shade for me. I would like to express my sincerest condolences to Carlos, Carmine, and the entire Celico family.
Long time resident says
We already miss u Frank!
Jason Mione says
Wow, I’m completely blown away! I met Frankie and Carmine many,many years ago when there Father had a shop behind Napa Auto Parts in Bunnell. I’d like to send my condolences to the entire Family! Keep your head up Carmine! Frankie was a super positive dude “all” the time and pretty easy to talk to! You will definately be missed Frank!
Linda Morgan says
How sad. Frank was my daughter’s 1st soccer coach and he was only about 19! How many teenagers have time for practice, games and work. He was great and the team loved him. And who doesn’t remmeber that hot mustang! He will be missed.
Charles Ericksen, Jr says
I met you but twice, and we were both on our bicycles. My condolences to the family and FCSO for the loss of one, who watched over us..
Albina Marques says
Our hearts are broken because a great friend was taken from us way to soon.
Frank was our protector in life and will as an Angel continue to protect us from above.
We pray that God gives his family the courage to carry on without him.
Rest In Peace dear Frank.
Winny says
After almost twenty years of law enforcement under my belt, and having lost several of my bother officers, I understand, and also feel the loss the family, the FCSO, and the community is feeling right now. My heart felt condolences go out to every officer and citizen that feels the loss of this fine professional.
To the family of Sgt Celico and to the bothers and sisters of the FCSO: Stay strong in his memory, Never forget him, and always remember, HERO’S LIVE FOREVER.
Commander Winbigler
Herb Whitaker says
I only met Frankie once, but he made a lasting good impression. I know my son who used to work on the force is heart sick about losing him. Keep a watchful eye on us from your lofty seat.
dave glenzer says
Frankie was a car guy. Used to try to race that orange mustang he had. never did but we always laughed about, one day! R.I.P. frankie
Steph P. says
Frankie was a kind, friendly man. I only met him a few times, but like many comments here express…it only took meeting him once to like him immediately. He was a funny guy and a great officer….he will be sorely missed. My thoughts go out to the Celico family, FCSO, and his many friends…RIP Frankie
francisco soto says
I have known frankie since I was about 14 yrs old, he is a good person and will be missed but never forgotten. My prayers and condolences go out to his entire family and all his loved ones. We have rode our street bikes together and i have always looked up to him. Frankie we miss you and love you. GOD SPEED.
Mourning LEO says
Frankie, you are an extraordinary person and it is an honor and privilege to have worked alongside you for the past six years. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to know you and call you my friend, I feel that I am a better person because of it. We love and miss you brother.
“We Remember the Officers”
We remember the officers who changed our lives,
The men and woman who protected us day and night,
People who respect for their dedication to the cause,
For when faced with danger, they never even pause.
We remember the officers who always stood true,
Whatever the color of uniform, brown green or blue,
With pride and integrity they say “To serve and protect”,
For the giving of their life, we offer our respect.
We remember the officers who we never really knew,
Persons strong enough to answer the challenge are few,
With heavy hearts we mourn the officers in eternal rest,
There’s more to these people than the badge on their chest.
Rick says
Iv known frankie and all of the family for at least 20 years I worked for carlo for the last 10.I just moved to california and got this heartbreaking news.Frank was as good as it gets.a great son,brother,friend and of coarse officer.we’ll never forget you .to carlo and family.my heart goes out to you.
M. Coppola says
We knew Frankie since we moved here to Palm Coast, he was very young driving his orange little car. Our family is heartbroken. He will be missed. Carlos and family our heart goes out to you.
Que descanses en paz querido.
Anonymous says
Sorry to see a classmate from 96 go so soon.. My condolences to the Celico’s. God has plans for all and we will meet again.. god bless
palmcoaster says
Arrivederci Frankie! until we see each other again.
Please watch over us all, down here from your heavenly cruiser.
Stan.. says
Frank, you will be missed, I will always remember our car and motorcycle events. It will never be the same without you.
So sad, so sudden…
Stan…
Stan.. says
I will never forget your crazy stunts on the bike.. and our crazy times with our mustangs..
R.I.P.
Your dad and brother are the best……
I wish the best to all your family.
Sandra says
This is such a loss to the community. To lose someone so young who was in public service and apparently loved by many, many people is tragic.
Karen S. says
I met Frankie when he first moved to Palm Coast in 92, we became instant friends. Both Frankie and Carmine fit right in to FPC,like they had lived here forever, people gravitated to Frank, he had a charisma in his being, a smile that would light up a room, he could always make you laugh, now that I am writing this,I don’t recall him being upset hardly ever. 5 yrs later in 97, we started dating. He always opened the door of his mustang for me,he was a wise guy , but always a gentleman.We spent most of our time at the pizzeria,playing car tag,denny’s, and car shows.I wasn’t really close to him as we grew older in life, we both changed a lot over time, but one thing always remained the same when we did bump into eachother, he always flashed that familar Frankie smile, we all grew to love. The days are gone, where I would find notes on my car, just saying hi or I am thinking of you, love Frank.Today, I am Leaving a note for you , Until we meet again my friend, I will always be thinking of you. Love, Karen
Tony C says
I met Frank and Carmine when they came up to NY with fellow officers from FCSO for a NY Yankee game. What a shock on Frank’s sudden passing, it seems like only the good die young !!
RIP Sarge !
Tony C
Ret Lt, NYPD
Phil 148 says
I met Frank in High School, and always enjoyed being around him. I will cherish every night out we had, including, but not limited to Mustang days, motorcycle riding, boat outings, and out of town getaways in Tampa, St. Pete, Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale, and countless places we’ve been to. Getting to know his family was also an honor. I remember being anxious to get into squad briefing to see what joke Frank had to tell, or something he would do to make the entire room laugh. He will be deeply missed, Love you man.
Layla says
Rest in peace, sweet angel.
Don says
Frank
you are missed so much.. Im so glad you were in my life. thank you fo everything u used to teach me……Ill never forget you.
Ash Damian