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July 19, 2023Deacon Ceaser R. Shelly Sr., a permanent deacon of the Archdiocese of New Orleans since 1985, died July 9 at the age of 79.
Deacon Shelly was born to the late Clifford Willie Shelly and Anita Pearley Shelly on Nov. 29, 1943, in New Orleans. He was the son-in-law of the late Iley Coleman Jr. and Hazel James Coleman.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Clifford Donald Shelly, Wayne J. Shelly and Jacqueline Shelly.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Coleman Shelly; daughters Donna Shelly Robinson (Stephen), Kanika Shelly Snaer (Lamont) of Richmond, California; sons Ceaser R. Shelly Jr. and Kyle John Shelly (Kendra) of Lewisville, Texas; and his sister Diane Shelly Douglas.
He also had seven grandchildren, Brianne (Ramsey), Stephen Jr. (Kaitlyn), Joshua, Kyla, Daraja, Kellen and Hazely; four great-grandchildren, Raine, Riley, Ramsey Jr. and Stephen III.
Deacon Shelly was educated in the New Orleans public school system and graduated from Delgado Community College with an associate degree in fire technology.
Deacon Shelly retired after 26 years with the New Orleans Fire Fighters Association (NOFF) as an apparatus operator. He was also a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 632 Union.
Deacon Shelly served as one of the first African-American firefighter recruiters, encouraging many African Americans to join the ranks. His work was recognized by the Black Association of New Orleans Fire Fighters Incorporated (BANOFF).
Deacon Shelly was ordained to the permanent diaconate on Dec. 14, 1985. He served St. Francis de Sales, St. Rita and St. Augustine churches in New Orleans.
He was president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, New Orleans Food Distribution Program for the sick and elderly.
Deacon Shelly served as a volunteer chaplain at the Interim LSU Hospital, also known as University Medical Center of New Orleans (UMCNO) and at Lindy Boggs Hospital.
Because of his selfless work, he was awarded the St. Louis medallion from the Archdiocese of New Orleans, which honors those who have contributed their time and talents to the church.
He also received the Holy Name Society for Catholic Fellowship Award. Deacon Shelly served as host for many rosary sessions as well as a host to Sister Thea Bowman.
At the time of his death, Deacon Shelly served at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church International Shrine of St. Jude.
He served as deacon for Orleans Parish prison ministry, and he presided over countless baptisms, weddings and funerals. His gift was interacting with the young and elderly by spending quality time with them.
His Funeral Mass was scheduled for July 21 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 411 N. Rampart St., New Orleans. Oblate Father Tony Rigoli, was scheduled to celebrate the Mass, along with be Msgr. John Cisewski and Father Victor Cohea.
Visitation was to begin at 8 a.m., followed by the recitation of the rosary at 9 a.m., the Final Alarm tribute by the New Orleans Fire Department and the Mass of Christian Burial.
Burial was set for Carrollton Cemetery No. 2, 1701 Hillary St. New Orleans. A repast was to follow the Mass and burial at the Xavier University College of Pharmacy, Qatar Pavilion Atrium, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church International Shrine of St. Jude on behalf of Deacon Shelly.
