John Celestino Obituary: John Celestino, regional executive for CNHI newspapers in New York , Massachusetts and New Hampshire, died Friday. He was 63.

Lewiston Police Chief Frank Previte said that Celestino, a resident of the town, took his own life after shooting himself. At 11:35 a.m., Artpark called to report an unresponsive person in a parked automobile in one of the venue’s parking lots.

Three New York newspapers—the Plattsburgh Press-Republican, the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, and the Niagara Gazette—were managed by Celestino.

For CNHI’s North of Boston Group, which includes The Eagle-Tribune in North Andover, The Salem News, Gloucester Daily Times, Newburyport Daily News, Andover Townsman, Haverhill Gazette, and Derry, New Hampshire, News, he also held the positions of regional executive and group publisher.

President and CEO of CNHI Donna Barrett called Celestino a valuable and accomplished professional.

Having grown up in the Philadelphia region, Celestino worked as an executive in marketing, circulation, and advertising for a number of media companies, including The Daily News, Philadelphia Metro, the Press of Atlantic City, and Brainworks Software in Sayville, New York.

Words fall short of expressing our grief for your loss, as we mourn with family and friends for this great loss. We are truly sorry to hear of the loss of this promising being. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you. Please receive our heartfelt condolences.

Feel free to drop condolences messages and prayers for the family and friends of the deceased as it will go a very long way at this difficult time of theirs.