PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers Athletics mourns the loss of Tony Cella, a former football captain who passed away at age 62 on June 9 in Illinois. A four-year letterwinner on the offensive line for the Scarlet Knights from 1979-82, Cella served as a team captain in 1982. 

From Claymont, Delaware, Cella was an all-state selection on the gridiron while also shining in basketball and baseball. He appeared on the field right away as a true freshman for a team that went 8-3, including the memorable 13-7 upset victory at No. 17 Tennessee. The Rutgers media guide described Cella as someone who "excels as a pass blocker and commands the trenches with fine intelligence." 

Cella was selected as a captain, along with Bill Pickel and Rich Spitzer, for the 1982 Scarlet Knights and earned his degree in business management. The lineman later signed as a free agent with the Seattle Seahawks. Following football, Cella became a successful leader of sales organizations. 

The services are scheduled for July 18 at St. John The Beloved Roman Catholic Church (907 Miltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808). The visitation will begin at noon, followed by a Mass at 2 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory can be made to: Mantellate Sisters Servants of Mary (16949 S. Drauden Rd, Plainfield IL 60586). 

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