Francis Waweru Cece Esquire

The Late Francis Waweru Cece, Esquire was born on November 8, 1988 in Cura, Kenya. He was the fourth and last born child of Paul Cece and Nancy Wambui Cece of New Castle, Delaware. He was the beloved brother to Caroline Njeri Cece and Grace Wanjiku Cece both of Kenya, and John Cheche and Magdaline Wanjiru of Bear, Delaware. He was baptized in 1989 and confirmed in 1999 at ACK St. Stephens in Cura, Kenya. From a young age, Waweru was very energetic, curious and was driven. While attending Musa Gitau Primary School, Waweru discovered a love for playing soccer and eventually earned the nickname “Onyiso” for his exceptional goalkeeping skills. He was equally passionate about helping his mom with daily chores, including farming in the village. At the age of 12, Waweru moved to the United States with his mother, and settled in the city of Lynn, Massachusetts. Waweru’s passion for sports intensified after relocating to America, he quickly picked up a passion for American football and played football for various youth teams in Lynn. Waweru later attended high school in to Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he excelled as a multisport athlete, playing varsity football, tennis, and soccer at Lawrence High School. Waweru was very revered by his teammates and coaches, and he loved playing sports. His teammates and coaches respected his leadership and determination. Waweru's pride in his Kenyan and Kikuyu heritage was ever-present. He even taught Kikuyu words to his coaches and teammates, who cleverly used them to design secret plays. Their favorite call was "Nii Tuthii," meaning "Let’s go." After High School, Waweru moved to New Castle, Delaware along with his family in 2007. Waweru was always very passionate about school and furthering his education. He pursued his passion for learning, earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Wilmington University in May 2015. Waweru was always referred to as the debater of the family, so it was only right that he went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Pennsylvania State University and become an attorney in May 2018. After receiving his Juris Doctorate, Waweru began his legal career as a judicial extern with the US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. After a successful externship, he then went on to become an assistant to the public defender in the town of Warren, Pennsylvania. His unwavering commitment to justice and advocacy for marginalized communities earned him a promotion to Assistant Public Defender. He believed deeply in providing a voice to the voiceless and ensuring fair representation for all. In April 2024, Waweru moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, continuing his work with the Public Defender’s Office. His dedication to public service remains a profound legacy. Waweru was passionate about sports and fiercely loyal to New England teams like the Patriots and Celtics. He cherished attending games with his cousins, always proudly wearing his team jerseys. Waweru also had a passion for motorbikes and was an avid bike rider. Cooking was another of Waweru’s great loves—especially preparing his favorite dish, goat meat and fish, which he perfected with care and joy. He also had a passion for music, with his favorite genre being Kikuyu music. Waweru could listen to John De’Mathew for hours and recite all his song. Over the past year, our beloved Waweru developed a heart condition, and was getting treatment for it. Through it all, he would never complain but remained positive when brought up. On December 4th, the family was notified that Waweru had peacefully rested in his sleep due to heart failure. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that Waweru lived a life full of purpose, passion, and love. His memory will forever inspire us to pursue our dreams, serve others, and live with joy and authenticity. The Lord gave us Waweru, and the Lord called Waweru home. May he keep him in eternal peace. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 – “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Waweru on December 13, 2024 from 9 AM to 10 AM at Strano and Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702. A service in celebration of Waweru’s life will take place at 11 AM at St. Veronica Mission Church, 1545 Church Rd., Bear, DE 19701. Burial will follow the service at 2 PM at Hickory Grove Cemetery, 378 Port Penn Rd., Middletown, DE 19709. For directions or to send an online condolence please visit www.stranofeeley.com.

Francis Waweru Cece Esquire

November 8, 1988 - December 4, 2024

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