Anthony Joseph Centanni Sr

Anthony J. Centanni Sr. passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at the age of 86 after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Antoinette Mustacchia Centanni for 54 years. Anthony was the eldest son of the late Joseph and Mary Centanni. He was the father of Denise Centanni, Debra Bartholomew (Norman), Donna Macgregor (Danny), Anthony J. Centanni Jr. (Mary) and Nicholas J. Centanni (Shelly). He is survived by 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild. He is survived by his siblings Rosalie Jemison (late husband Ed), Nancy Pumilia (late husband Gus), Mary Louise Lagrange (Bob) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Joseph (Lupe). He was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he acquired many lifelong and dear friends. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and later retired from the Illinois Central Railroad after a lengthy career as an engineer. He was previously a member of the Knights of Columbus and a parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Parish for 64 years. As a young man he enjoyed boxing, tennis, softball, fishing and mechanic work and was always tinkering with something. He learned to play piano at a young age and also loved to dance. He had many, many friends and loved to socialize. He loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and always stressed the importance of family relationships. He never missed big family events and always looked forward to meeting with his siblings, cousins and various relatives at the annual reunions. He truly enjoyed people and socializing and was a very generous, kind, caring person, and also quite a prankster. Whatever challenges he faced in life, he always had a smile on his face. For his many titles – Dad, Paw-Paw, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, cousin – he is deeply loved. He has fought the good fight! Until we meet again, he is forever in our hearts. Visitation will take place at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, Louisiana 70001, on Friday, July 3, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Eulogies will be shared from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. A Catholic service will start at 11:30 a.m. with interment to follow immediately after in Garden of Memories Cemetery. To share condolences or send flowers please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.

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