RICHARD A. CENTA, age 84, beloved husband of the late Rose Ann (nee Porcello); loving father of Cynthia Capone (husband Michael) and Richard (wife Ellen); devoted grandfather of Eric and Hallie (fiancé Stephen Shubeck); cherished son of the late Anthony and Judith (nee Marinick); dearest brother of Betty Witkowski, Helen Elcanick (husband John) and the late Celeste Dietz, Edward, Sylvia, Raymond and Roland Centa, Adele Schmidt and Harry Centa; dear uncle and great-uncle of many.
Rich was a U.S. Army Korean Conflict Veteran. He was a resident of Macedonia for 6 years, after previously residing in Cuyahoga Falls for 10 and Richmond Heights for 44 years. He was a member of St. Noel Catholic Church, a previous member of St. Felicitas Catholic Church, Collinwood Memories and Par Busters Golf League. A graduate of Collinwood High School, Rick was a carpenter tradesman and worked in construction. He enjoyed bowling, model airplanes, the Cleveland Browns, Indians and Cavaliers, listening to Vince Mastro, Perry Como, Andy Williams and Bing Crosby but he especially loved playing golf. He will be remembered by many as a competitive, giving man who both worked hard and played hard.
Contributions may be made in Rich’s memory to Hospice of Summa, 1077 Gorge Blvd., Akron, OH 44310.
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, October 2, 2014 at St Noel Catholic Church at 10:30 AM. Entombment following at Western Reserve Memorial Garden Cemetery.
Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Rich at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) WEDNESDAY 2-5 and 6-8 PM.
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Cathy and LuAnn
Dear Cindy, Ricky and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Rich. He always had a special, place in all of our hearts.
Always loved to be with him when we could. A lot of good times and memories come back at a time like this.
I am sure that they will all have a good time together again. Will see you on Wednesday.
With all our love.
Cathy and LuAnn
Denny Setele
Rick & Family,
Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your Father. I met him at Summit Point and we had a great relationship. He became a good friend the past 6 years. An Irish Blessing upon him, you, and your family.
In Harmony,
Denny Setele
Leigh Schmidt
Ricki, Cindy and families, Helen and Betty,
I was saddened by the news of the loss of my Uncle. You know he often told me how he carried me when I was a child and even sent a photo to that effect. Perhaps Helen and Betty might recall, not as vividly as me, how he also helped discipline me, teaching me respect for my elders, parents and family members. He never faltered in that expectation for me. He also never quite appreciated my beard, especially when I was young, but over time he commented that he was glad to see I kept it trimmed. A good man, who never pulled any punches, but told you exactly what he thought; lived what he cared about (family); and always had the highest expectations for you.
I gave him a bottle of wine , which when we last talked, he said he was saving for sharing with his children. I don’t know if he did, but I miss sharing a tasting with him on these last days. May peace guide you all and bring you understanding.
Gus Mercurio
Rich was my Cuyahoga Falls neighbor and golf league partner many times. We enjoyed his company in our league as he shared, only if asked, his tips and in-depth knowledge of the game. He was a good man!