Michael Centanni Obituary

I was born on 2/21/59 to Mike and Marie Centanni. I am their first born daughter of three. I could not have asked God for a better father than my Dad. If I had the opportunity to pick and choose all the good things I would have wanted in a dad, it still would not have come close to what a great dad I had for almost 47 years of my life. I was his tomboy on the outside, with all his sensitivity, love, and caring on the inside.



My dad was my reason for hitting every homerun I ever hit, just because he was in the stands yelling "hit it where you live kid!" Everytime I rounded those bases, I looked at my dad, proud and clapping for his "all star" year after year.



My dad also taught me the strong family values I live with every day, and for which I am forever proud of.



My dad was always proud of any accomplishment I made, big or small, and many times amazed I could do them at all. I was always challenged to do my best so I could make my Dad proud. I'll never forget my dad telling my brother-in-law one night "did you see what your sister-in-law did last night? She put in a new toilet and never broke a sweat!"



I'll also always remember the words my dad said to my mom at least twice a week, "call Debbie." Anytime he was scared about one of his illnesses, he reached for my medical knowledge, and to find out how we were going to handle it and what to expect. I'm only sorry this time I couldn't have "fixed" it Dad.



I'll love you forever and know that you are here with us, watching over us, and being proud of the family you made.



I know you are singing with Sinatra, even if you are off key, and telling him he did a great job on each song.



I'll be sure to "give da guy a fin" when it's my turn to be driven down the road to heaven to see you. Save a nice place for me and your girls. I promise to take care of mom, along with the two wonderful sisters you also gave me.



I am proud to have called you my Father, as Mom is proud to have called you her Husband, and your grandchildren are proud to have known their ever-loving "Poppa." I am also proud to have your blue eyes.



Thanks Dad...for being all you were, and for making me all that I am.



Your Loving Daughter

Debbie

Marie, Debbie, Donna, Desiree,



Words cannot explain the sadness that overcame me after I got the phone call from Donna, about Mike's passing. I was sad for each of you knowing what you were experiencing at the time. Plus, I was sad for my wife Marie and myself. We consider you all dear friends of ours. I took time after hanging up the phone to reflect on the times and memories I had with Mike. I remebered meeting him at Goldblatt's working security. While working with him was a riot, the Gin Rummy games we had were the best. Do you realize that Mike was the only person I ever played cards with where I really enjoyed playing cards!



I know Mike loved golf. We used to get together and play twilight golf alot. We had a good time. He enjoyed not only playing, but teaching me. I never had a formal lesson, but everytime I played with Mike, it was a lesson in golf and in life. At this time, I want to say "Thank's Mike, I really appreciated those lessons!"



Then there was the times at your house. My favorite memory was time we spent together, sitting on the deck of your pool on the hot, muggy summer nights. We would talk, sip some beer, and when we felt uncomfortable we would jump into the pool, swim several laps to cool off, climb out and do it all over again, until I left to go home. Life was truly sweet at those moments.



I could go on and on. I have a lot of memories of Mike and me spending time together. I know it selfish, but I would do anything to relive them all right now! Why, because it's now that I realize my life was truly enriched and better for knowing Mike.



Debbie, you said something to me when I was hugging you at your dad's wake. You said into my ear, "You know he really loved you!" Yes, I do know he loved both me and Marie (my wife). But we also know that he really loved you girls and your mom more that anyone on earth. We will keep you girls and your families in our prayers and good thoughts for quite a long time.



Mike, I refuse to say good bye to you. I realize your body is gone. But you live on in spirit. No longer do you have to suffer the ravages of diabetes. No longer do you have to feel the pains in your chest. No longer do you have to feel weak!



But I will tell you this. I will feel you, soon. I will feel your spirit and so will the others that you loved in your life, as you walk among us, protecting us, being a Guardian Angel to us all. Because you can do that now. You always used to offer yourself in times of need. You used to say "Anything I can do, just tell me." We'll now you can do it, Buddy.



Mike is a good husband, father, grand father, and friend. Physically we will miss him dearly. And Mike, Don't beat Sinatra too badly at golf up there!



I will miss you, friend. I will think of you often. I love you, dearly, too!



Rick DiPompeo

To my hero and my prince: You were the best father, grandfather(Poppa) and friend a daughter could ever ask for! You gave me courage, strength and helped me become the woman that I am. You showed me what true love means and what a strong marriage is. I will forever miss you but I know you are at peace. Sleep well and I will see you in heaven! I love you daddy!!! Love, Your Princess

To Marie and family. So sorry to hear Mike passed away. We have so many treasured memories of the good times we had when we were neighbors in Hillside. It was such a blessing have shared those years with so many wonderful families. God Bless all of you.

Aunt Marie, Debbie, Donna & Desiree



When ever we talked or visited with Uncle Mike we always went away with a good laugh. He was truly a fun person to be around. We will miss his friendly laugh and sense of humor. We know that he is up in heaven right now listening to Frank Sanatra and dancing with "Toni".. We are sorry that we were not able to make it to Chicago for his service, but we will always remember your 50th Anniversary and the fun time we had in September.

Relatives are a condition of family life. If you are lucky, you have a special one who is funny or kind or companionable, who fills a place in your heart that no one else can and Uncle Mike was that to our family. May God Bless you all during this sad time.



All Our Love,

Sonny, Eva, Melissa, Rachel & Alex

Today I buried my Father and one of my best friends. For those loved ones who are far and could not be with us, below is something I wrote and had read by a family friend at the funeral today. I hope you draw comfort from it as we did today.





"People’s lives are summed up at times like these, but with Mike that’s a hard thing to do. How do you describe a man with a personality as vibrant and special as his? You may have known him as simply Mike, or perhaps as “The Captain”, or even “Clint”. For those of you who knew him well, you understand what I mean about his ability to fill a room with smiles and laughter. He was a simple man who taught us the importance of love, family and keeping a sense of humor. He indeed taught us well. He was an honest person who only wanted the best for his family and others, and always chose the right path in life.



Mike was a warm and loving man, who was never afraid to show his emotions. I think that is why he was so adored by anyone he came into contact with. He was a loving and caring husband to Marie for over 50 years, an incredibly devoted Father to Debbie, Donna and Desiree, and the best “Papa” in the world to Michael, Nicholas, Samantha and Maria. He lost many of his siblings during the course of his life, but he was grateful to have his sister Anne, who he loved dearly, in his life until the end.



Mike also taught us the definition of the word “loyalty”. Although over the last ten years or so many of his friends passed before him, Mike had friendships that spanned nearly 60 years. He wasn’t a man who would turn his back on family or friends, and a familiar saying of his was “Whatever you need”……and he meant that. He would do anything for anyone.



We shouldn’t let Mike’s long battle with Diabetes define who he was. We need to remember the healthy Mike who loved to play golf every Sunday, and come home in time for Marie’s 3:00 Sunday pasta. Remember Mike who was the life of every party and the man who danced with an expression on his face that made everyone crack up. The man who belted out Sinatra constantly, even during in his last days. The man who made each of his daughters feel so confident and proud of themselves due to his love, and in turn he was proud of raising three strong, caring and independent women. A man who made a wife feel that she had it all, and more importantly that she had a husband who loved, respected and cared for her during their long marriage. He lived to walk every daughter down the aisle at their wedding, and loved his son-in-laws, Jeff & Mark.. He was a favorite brother-in-law and Uncle to so many.



Mike bounced back many times from his illness, but he grew tired and said “Enough”. This is exactly what he would have wanted. A peaceful death, with dignity and with his family surrounding him. He would have been proud and touched by the number of people here today. He would understand the tears and the feeling of being missed, but he wouldn’t want his family or friends to dwell on the hurt. Instead, he would want us to know that he is ok now, the battle is over, he’s with the rest of his family in heaven and with God. And who knows, by now Sinatra might already be giving him a private concert.



Think back on him not with pity or pain, but with love, laughter and joy. The very things he made us feel every day. Rest in peace Mike, and know that your job here is done, and a good job it was."



Good Bye Daddy.............

We are so sorry that we cannot express our sympathy in person. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

My Grandmother, Carmella was Uncle Mike's sister. It's been along time since i've seen uncle mike and i to remember his blue eyes and his humor. I use to say that he looked like Capt. Stubbing from the love boat. Uncle Mike will be missed deeply. My Love and Prayers go to the family

To the Centanni Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. I wish there were words to remove the pain, but with time, wonderful and fun memories will endure. We all have fun memories of Mike (The Captain!) and will miss his humor.

With lots of love and hugs ,

Robyn

Dear Marie, Debbie, Donna, Desiree and extended family and friends,



You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of such a special man, husband, father and friend.



I had the pleasure of getting to know your family when Desiree and I were in Kindergarten together. Through the years I came to know Mike as Desiree’s father. My memories to him trace back to the early 1970’s. I remember him washing up and taking care of his Cadillac in the driveway. I never saw Mr. Centanni without a smile on his face. He was always filled with laughter, and joy as Desiree and I would swim in the pool, play on Cypress Court, or just hang out. There was always laughter in the house because of Mike’s presence.



I also have such good memories of him poking fun at the goofy hats I wore as a kid. He made me realize that no matter how silly I looked, it was all about finding the fun. I feel privileged to have childhood memories of a man who represented the cornerstone of a wonderful family that even though I was never biological a part of, I always felt embraced with love during those formative years.



With Deepest Sympathy,

I have had the honor of knowing the Centanni family only a few short years, but the love and the laughter they have shown and shared with me will last a lifetime. I cherish the memories I have made with them, and the love that Mike radiated will live in my heart forever. God blessed us all when he sent Michael Centanni into our lives. I will never forget those sparkling blues eyes, that wonderful smile, and even the corny jokes he loved to tell! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy and love,

Eve Fiorenza

Auntie Marie,Debbie,Desiree.I am so sorry,I will miss uncle mike,both of you were always there for me.you will always be in my prayers,love all ways jeannie may

To the Centanni family: Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy,

John and Joanne Carnagio

Dear Aunt Marie & Cousins,



We are so sorry for the loss of our Uncle Mike. We have very fond memories of Uncle Mike, he had such a great sense of "HUMOR".We have all been blessed to have known him. Aunt Marie, and cousins we will continue to pray for all of you during this difficult time. Love, The Sensabaugh Family

Marie, Donna, Desiree & Debbie:

My deepest sympathy for you on the loss of your husband & father. For those of us fortunate to grow up in Hillside, we will always remember Mike's beautiful, handsome smile, his always sparkling Cadillacs, his sunny personality & his pride in all his women :) Time, marriages, illness & even death cannot take away all the happy memories & love I have for your family. I am a better person for having known your dad. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. May you have some peace in knowing there will always be a part of him in you - in all who ever knew him. Now he can rest, free from pain in a better place.

Centanni Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I am so glad that I was able to see my friend (kiss him on his forehead) before he passed. We are going to miss his humor (one liners) the most. He will forever be in our hearts and memories. The strength and love your family has, is an inspiration to us all. Mike had a life to be proud of and the proof is in the strength of your family.

Love Always, Roy, Heather and Emma

I will always miss seeing The Captain dance. He never failed to make me laugh, no matter how he was feeling. He had a great spirit and was quite a fighter the last several years. Much love and support goes out to Desiree and her family at this difficult time. There will never be another one like him.

Marie, Deb and family, we want you to know how sorry we are to hear of your loss. Bob really enjoyed playing golf with him when he was able..He will be truly missed by those that knew him as a friend and certainly the most by his family..I will never forget those beautiful blue blue eyes. He is at rest and that is the good part..Our love to you all..Sammie and Bob

To Members of the Centanni Family, extended family and friends: I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers - and those of my family - are with you and yours. - Mark T.

I will always remember the look of pure joy on Mikes face as he walked Desiree down the aisle on her wedding day and you could feel the great love between them during their father daughter dance. Mike will be remembered for so much especially the love and pride he had for his family and I will never forget that sparkling smile of his.

To his family, please know you are all in our thoughts and prays.



Love,

Salina

I will always hold dear the fond memories I have of my Uncle who was more like a Grandfather to me. He made me laugh and smile more than anyone else ever could. He was so giving and loving, I know he would have done anything for those he loved. I will always remember him with the sun glistening off those beautiful blue eyes and that mischievious half smile that always made you wonder what he was up to. One day we will be together again on the other side of glory, until then, I love you. Miss

Uncle Mikey, sometimes I feel like calling you "Uncle" isn't enough. You were so much more than that. You were always there for me, with love, kindness, support and laughter. I will miss you, but I know I will see you again someday and what a glorious day that will be. I Love you!!! Miss

To the Centanni Family and extended Family,

Words cannot express our deepest sympathy. I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike & the Family for 24 years. I can close my eyes and see him smiling, and his eyes sparkling. This was always what you got with Mike. The Love and Support of his Family, especially the last 8 years, is a great tribute and reflection, on what a GREAT Father, and LOVING Husband that he was. There is sooooo much LOVE in their Family, in good times, and in bad. He may be gone physically, but thru stories, pictures, and videos, he will always be right by our side. God has a new Angel that will be constantly watching over the Centanni Family. We must try and smile, knowing that he is no longer in pain, and in a world far greater, then where we are at. Not only is he singing Sinatra again, but he is doing a duet right by Frank's side. He is/will be forever missed !!!!!!

Love & Hugs To The Family,

Annette & Burke Matyas

Memories of raising our families in Hillside will always be with me. God bless you.

My mother, Catherine, was Uncle Mike's sister. Many of us cousins were unable to stay in touch, but I finally did get to see my Aunt Marie and Uncle and talk with them. Anyone who ever knew him, will never forget how his blue eyes had that mischievious twinkle and his warm laugh was always welcoming. I send love to my Aunt Marie and to all the extended family. Uncle Mikey will always remain in my heart as the joy that he was in this life. Love, Lori Jae

We are so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. The Lagan Family

I will always have cherished memories of Mike.

His sense of humor, the twinkle in his eyes, when you almost knew what he was thinking. I will miss you, Mike, but your memories will last forever in my heart. You truly made my world a happier place.



Love,

Netti Caruso