Marie L. Centauro

Marie L. Centauro was born in Brooklyn, New York to Emanuele DeCarolis and Michael Pierno on the 4th day of March 1926. She was the youngest of 10 children: she had 5 brothers, Eddie, Joe, Peter, Ralph and Michael; and 4 sisters: Minnie, Carmela, Lucy, and Nettie.

One day at her favorite candy store, Marie (Mary) met her husband to be for 68 years, George Centauro. Their eyes met through the mirror, they left the store hand-in-hand, and the rest is history. Marie and George were wed on October 4, 1947. They brought 6 children into the world: Rosmarie (Cheo), George (Liz), Maryann (Albert), Patty (Vinnie), Richie (Rosa), and Barbara (Anthony); and since that time their family has grown to include: 11 grandchildren: Anthony, Dina (Anthony), Richie, Joey (Lesley), Patricia (Chris), Vinnie (McKenzie), Taylor, Sandy (Anthony), Jennifer (Erik), Ashley (Erin), and James; and 15 great-grandchildren: Joseph, Giana, Siena, Louie, Jonathan, Joey, Juliana, Karisa, Alexa, Valentina, Sofia, Rocco, Isabella, Dominic, and Mario.

After moving the family from Brooklyn to Richmond Hill, Queens in 1959, Marie and George relocated the family once again to South Florida. They had a beautiful home in Margate from 1972 – 1995 and then moved to Coconut Creek. No matter where they lived, their doors were always open to family and friends. They loved to entertain, the Italian food and traditions passed down from previous generations were prevalent in their home – the celebrations and gatherings were endless, and all were invited; no matter how big or small their home was, there was always room and enough food for one more.

Both Mary and George instilled great family values in their children and one by one, each of their 6 children settled in South Florida with their families, living within 15 minutes of one another. Mary was a dressmaker and made fabulous clothes. She made beautiful bathing suits and outfits for her children.

Mary loved children and always dreamed of opening a nursery of her own. She is also remembered for her homemade banana and strawberry cake covered with whip cream and for making the most delicious zeppoles and meatballs. She was also a great card player; she would join in on all of the family card games and would win most of the time.

She was a great dancer; loved doing the Lindy at every wedding with any partner she could find. She was not one to sit down at a wedding or party. And she never left home without her lipstick. At 97 years old, she still asked for her lipstick before leaving her home.

Mary has left this world to join her husband, George, who passed away on May 7, 2016. She is survived by her children, their spouses, with the exception of Vinnie Fontana who also passed away, their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BabioneBocaRaton.com for the Centauro family.....