Died in his home in Washington, DC on Saturday, August 7, 2021. A native of Boston, John earned a Master's degree in library science and a PhD in British literature before launching a career at the Library of Congress serving as Chief of the Cataloging in Publication Program. After retiring in 2007, John traveled frequently to Vietnam, sharing his experience and expertise with librarians in Ho Chi Minh City, enjoying the culture of Vietnam, and sponsoring a student, Nghi Le, who became part of his family in the U.S. He is survived by his partner, Esther Mackintosh, his brothers, Paul Celli and Frank Celli, sister-in-law, Joyce Celli, nieces, Kathy Gundrum, Patty Downing, and Christine Celli, and nephews, Michael Celli, Peter Celli, Bernard Celli, and Jonathan Celli. No services planned. Donations in John's name may be made to the Folger Shakespeare Library, Development Office, 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003 or at www.folger.edu/give
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