Richard Celotto

It is with great sadness that we announce that Richard John Celotto, 71, of Stamford, CT, died peacefully at Stamford Hospital in the early evening of Thursday, June 27, 2024 from acute leukemia. Born at Stamford Hospital on February 18, 1953 and was predeceased by his parents Albert “Buck” Celotto and Elsie (Wason) Celotto, as well as his younger brother Michael. Richard graduated from Stamford Catholic High School in 1971 and then earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of Connecticut in Storrs.
Richard began Judo at the age of 12 and quickly became a star in the sport, winning many awards and trophies, including four state championships in the heavyweight division before he graduated from college. Judo was his lifelong passion. Through the years, many Stamford youth were taught Judo by Sensei Rick. As a Pan American (level B) referee, Rick and nine others formed the “Killer B’s” to teach, help, advise, and critique each other so that they could move up to the international level. It worked because in 1988, he became an international referee (level A) with the International Judo Federation and was known worldwide for his knowledge, skill, and extreme commitment to the sport through his educational seminars and videos; publications; and personal training of young referees. Many have credited him for setting the tone of refereeing as compassionate education.
Sensei Rick attained the level of Hachidan (8th-degree black belt) in 2012. Additionally, he was a member and past chairman of the US Judo Association (USJA) Referee Committee; past member of the USA Judo Referee Commission; head referee for the Nutmeg State Games of Connecticut for the last 15 years; referee examiner for local, regional, and national referees; and he became a USJA Certified Master Rank Examiner in 2024. Additionally, Rick served as the Chief Referee for the annual American/Canadian (AM/CAN) Judo Challenge Cup for numerous years. Among many accolades, Rick received the John Osako award given to given to an outstanding US referee in 2010. In 2022, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the USA Judo Referee Commission and was recently given the first Leonard LeBlanc Memorial award from the Connecticut Judo Association.
His expert knowledge of Judo, delivered in a professional style that combined gentle humor, modesty, and genuine kindness, earned him respect and fondness from all who knew him. He exemplified the giving aspect of the Judo moral code.
Rick was always very actively involved in all aspects of Judo and refereeing; however, he gave his time freely to the sport. His work life was interesting and varied. He started out working at the YMCA in Darien, CT as aquatic director and fitness director, then as the medical and physical fitness advisory committee chairman in their newly built Health Services Center. Continuing in the health field, he became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMS) and worked with an ambulance crew. Additionally, Rick worked as a security advisor with the International Vault Company in the Bronx and was a private detective with the Stonegate Agency in New York City for many years.
Rick is survived by his brothers, John “Jack” Celotto of Stamford, and Retired Army Colonel Paul Celotto of Riverview Florida. Additionally, he is survived by Paul’s wife Susan; nieces Christine “Vanessa” Celotto, April Celotto, and Katrina “Diane” Celotto Adams (wife of Army Major Dominic F. Adams); great nieces, Katrina Marie and Elizabeth Nicole Adams, and his great nephew, Dominic Paul Adams.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Mary’s RC Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford. Directly following the Mass, the receiving line will be held at the remembrance gathering from noon to 3:00 pm at the Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford. The interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rick’s memory to either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. For donation addresses, website, phone numbers, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com/obituaries/.
He will be dearly missed and remembered by everyone who was blessed to know him, both within the international Judo world and within his personal circle of friends, family, neighbors, and many others who had the good fortune to interact with him over his lifetime.