Frank T Centarri

Frank Centarri (through the eyes of his daughter) For someone who hated spices and most flavorful food accompaniments, my dad had the spiciest personality. He cracked funny jokes, dad jokes, eye-roll jokes, and packed endless reserves of razzing and joshing for strangers and friends alike. The definition of “goofy,” he grew up pranking and lovingly harassing his siblings and friends, which did not lessen with age or maturity. As stubborn as he was with certain habits and food choices, he constantly flexed to the needs of others, whether driving a Navy vehicle in Vietnam (despite his interest in radio operations) or driving us to see Graceland (he did not care for Elvis). No matter the adjustment, he always found a way to have fun. As children, my dad provided us with experience and knowledge, taking us to museums, parks, picnics, games, cross-country road trips, and weekend excursions. Some of my favorite childhood memories were reading in the family van with my feet up on the big cooler, windows down, and sports or news radio audible, or WWF wrestling events at the Civic, character meet-and-greets, and seesawing at the park. We always had a family dog, and they truly were “man’s best friend” to him. A true empath, my dad championed his life-long work in sales, friendships, and connections with intuition, humor, and charm. He was proud to be a part of many groups, clubs, teams, and organizations (Scouts, Navy Seabees, Knights of Columbus, St. Gerald's Church, bowling, softball, tip club), and they were grateful to have him. He felt every emotion with great intensity, which for a man growing up in his time could be challenging to express, but he never felt confused on how to demonstrate his love and pride for his family. If you were loved by Frank Centarri, he damn well made it clear to you. He told us every single day. He was hurt when we were hurt. He anticipated our needs and wishes and delivered on both to his capabilities, even bending them at times if he was excited about an outcome. He lived for the reaction of a gift or reveal. Ultimately, it made him happy if you were happy, and if you felt otherwise, he felt it with you. If my dad had a worn-out phrase - other than his ribbing retorts, “thanks for leaving!” or “glad you got to see me!” - it would probably be something like, “that’s what we do for family.” As death mirrors life, my dad put us first. He stayed to make sure that we were together, equipped with tools, knowledge, and his love. When he felt confident in that, he let go. While many people call the COVID pandemic “the lost year,” I strongly feel the opposite. I believe that as a family – even across many states – we were given a year to focus on spending as much time together as we possibly could. Either isolated in-person or remotely, all the distractions of life that once felt so important were stripped away, and the importance of love and family became clearer. I miss you. I love you. We are so proud of you. Frank Thomas Centarri passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, March 26, 2021 at the age of 74 years. He was preceded in death by parents Frank and Ivy; sister Barbara; and grandpuppies Beans and Pickle He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 48 years Vicky; daughter Angie (Eric BenSalah) Centarri; son Tom (Carrie); grandchildren David, Augie, Addie, and Joanie; brother Mike (Pam); brother-in-law Randy Lyon; grandpuppies Porky and Toast; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.