Michael Edward Centoni

Michael was born on November 12, 1945, to Edward and Phyllis Centoni in Portland. He grew up in Portland and Lake Oswego with his parents, brother Steven, and sister Genie. Michael attended elementary schools in Portland and Lake Oswego, Lake Oswego Jr. High, and Lake Oswego High School.

At age 17, while still in high school, Michael enlisted in the US Naval Reserve. After high school graduation, he completed Navy boot camp and basic training in San Diego. On August 11, 1964, Mike was called into active duty and served aboard the USS Coral Sea Aircraft Carrier. He was trained in electronics and hydraulics, and soon became a specialist in anything pertaining to ordinance, missiles and bombs. His aircraft carrier was to help in the first launch strikes against Vietnam. After over two years in the South Pacific, and some time aboard the USS Midway, his active duty ended in 1966. He would continue serving in the reserves until he was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1975.

On August 9, 1963, a then 17-year old Mike met a 15-year old Sharon Kay Whitehead, at Oaks Park Skating Rink in Portland. Four years later, Mike and Sharon were married at St. Charles Catholic Church on June 24, 1967. After five years of marriage, Mike and Sharon were blessed with the birth of their first son, Michael Allen. Heartbreak soon followed, however, when Michael Allen passed away a few days later due to a congenital heart defect. They were later blessed, with the birth of their daughter, Michelle Rene, in 1974, followed by their son, Jeffrey Michael, in 1978.

Mike worked in construction sales for Ingersoll Rand from 1966 to 1985, and then for Power Rents from 1985 to 1995. He would spend the remaining working years with Ivy Hi Lift, Hertz and Neff Rentals, until he retired in 2007.

In addition to his work, Mike would spend 24 years serving on the David Douglas School Board. He had great passion for the district he resided in and his children attended. He was a strong advocate for school athletics, and spent many years proudly supporting his children's participation in extracurricular activities, as well as watching his son coach football for David Douglas High School, and currently the Central High School Panthers of Independence, OR.

Mike and Sharon would enjoy many family trips to Bend, the Oregon Coast, and Disneyland. In later years, he would enjoy following around his grandkids and using a scooter throughout the Disneyland park. He would always ask, “When are we going back to Disneyland?”

Over the years Mike and Sharon enjoyed spending their free time with their children and grandchildren, attending most of their sports competitions and activities. You could always find them at one of the kids' games, concerts or dance recitals. They also enjoyed watching professional sports of all types in their free time. They were season ticket holders for over 30 years for the Portland Trail Blazers, and even attended the championship game in 1977.

Above all, family was most important to Mike and Sharon, and there would be many holiday and family gatherings that involved time together, good Italian food, lots of laughter, and ending with Papa’s familiar phrase, “I wish you weren’t leaving so soon.”

Mike is survived by his wife Sharon; daughter Michelle and her husband Scott, and their children Joey, Matt and Ashley; his son Jeff and his wife Britta, and their children Ari and Noah; his brother in law Gary York and his wife Leann; his sister Genie Finley; as well as his entire extended family and close friends. We will all miss the Big Ragu and Papa Mike!

A funeral will be held for Mike on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 11:00 am at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Portland, Oregon. A light reception to follow. At 1:30 pm Mike will be given full military honors at Willamette National Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made in Michael Centoni’s name to the Central High School Football Team in Independence, Oregon.