PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

James A. Cella

US Army
Vietnam War Era Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 01/10/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of James A. "Jim" Cella has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. Mr. Cella, 78, of Clifton Park passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

Mr. Cella served as a Biochemist (MOS 3309) in the United States Army. Entering into active duty during the Vietnam War on 10 March 1973, he served at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, until his honorable discharge at the rank of Captain on 9 March 1976. For his service, Mr. Cella was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, Mr. Cella had an illustrious 44-year GE career focused on synthetic organic chemistry, where he earned several awards and over 80 issued US patents. Later, he owned and managed the Cella Bistro restaurant on Rosa Road in Schenectady.

An obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

01/10/2025 at 09:15am

Staging Location:

St. Edward the Confessor Church
569 Clifton Park Center Road
Clifton Park, NY 12065

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-669-3358

Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:

Updated 15, May 2024

The CDC has changed its COVID-19 protocol recommendations for 2024, updating them to reflect the changing severity and transmission of the virus. Please click here for the latest information and continue to practice common sense distancing protocols while in enclosed locations.

Special Information:

Staging at the church with a flag line for the arrival of family and guests. The cortege is scheduled to arrive at 09:30, with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am. At the conclusion of services and dignified transfer, members will escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for interment with military honors at 1:00 pm. Please dress for the weather. Per the Funeral Director, some "down time" is anticipated between the conclusion of the church service and departure for the cemetery.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

01/10/2025 at 12:30pm

Second Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-669-3358

Second Stage - Special Information:

Interment with military honors scheduled for 1:00 pm. Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.