OBITUARY: Mervyn P. Celso

Mervyn “Merv” P. Celso, 69, of Red Springs, formerly of Rockingham, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, June 24, 2024.

He was born Jan. 10, 1955, in the Philippines, son of the late Ireneo Celso and Paz Payongayong Celso.

Merv worked as a hotel and restaurant manager and also as a musician. He grew up in Salinas, California, and had a close friend, John Tierney, a renowned artist, who designed a mural of Merv catching a baseball and painted it on a billboard. Merv was thrilled.

Merv was a gifted musician, playing both piano and guitar, and an excellent vocalist. He enjoyed music all of his life. He was a member of the Safety Committee Band, and played numerous events and open mic, especially at Hudson Brothers in Rockingham where he had numerous friends who called him “Mel.” Merv never met a stranger and was a generous, kind-hearted man that would help anyone. He was a very funny guy, with a great personality. Along with his wife, he loved animals and they would find themselves rescuing animals in need.

Merv faithfully loved his family. He was a loving husband, great provider, and a wonderful dad.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ireneo and Paz Celso.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Yvonne Murphy Celso of the home; daughters, Jo Celso of Oakland, California, and Caitlin Celso of Red Springs.

A time of celebration of Merv’s life is currently being planned and will be announced at a later time.

Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Celso family.

Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.