Martin David Centala, 82, died May 6, 2020, of Covid-19 at Winchester Hospital in Virginia. He was born March 22, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, to Marian Schad Centala and Florian David Centala. Grandson of Anna Szala and Clement Centala of Metz, Michigan.
He leaves his son, Martin Nicholas Centala, of Okinawa, Japan and grandchildren Andrew J. L. Newman and Sophia J. Lombard of Virginia. Marty and his wife, Yvonne Gorak Centala, were divorced in 1996.
Marty, as he was known, graduated from Bentley High School in Livonia, Michigan, and The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, finishing the five-year engineering program in four years. He also completed Air Force ROTC and entered the US Air Force as a lieutenant in September, 1960.
As a navigator, Marty flew B-52s for SAC, C-130s for TAC, and C-141s and C-5s for MAC. He finished his career at Defense Nuclear Agency in Washington, D. C. Marty was stationed in Taiwan 1966-67, Dover AFB 1967-69, Wright Patterson AFB 1969-71 where he earned an Master’s degree in nuclear engineering; Los Angeles Air Force Station in El Segundo, California; Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico; again in Dover AFB 1975-78; Defense Nuclear Agency 1978-80 when he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Marty earned an MBA of Science and Technology at George Washington University, then worked for PSE&G in New Jersey while living in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, and finally DOE in Maryland and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A war history buff, Marty collected antique guns and bayonets and wrote articles for many publications. When he wasn’t attempting a DIY home project, he spent many hours at his desk making technical bayonet drawing or working on a model of the U.S.S Constitution. He loved to tell old stories and keep the ear of guests with his distinctive voice and humor
Marty will be buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetary in Southfield, Michigan, in the Centala family plot.
Condolences may be sent to [email protected] or Centala, P O. Box 4386, Ashburn VA 20148.
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