Charles N. Centinaro

Charles was born in Garfield, New Jersey on August 18, 1928 to the late Charles C and Jennie (Spinelli) Centinaro.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Helen, and continued to visit her daily after she was laid to rest. He is survived by one loving daughter Carol (George) Kania, two grandsons George and Nick (Krissy) Kania, and 5 great grandchildren: CJ, Shelby, Aaryanna, Kellie and Tristan Kania.

He served his country during World War II in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1949. In 1949, after his discharge, Charles met the love of his life, Helen. They married in 1952 and resided in Clifton, New Jersey until 1989 at which time Charles and Helen retired and moved to Deltona, Florida to be with their daughter Carol and family.

In 2011, Charles had the pleasure of being honored as a World War II veteran with a trip to Washington DC with WWII Volusia Honor Air Flight #7.

Charles loved his family and spending time with them. He enjoyed traveling, visiting family in New Jersey, family vacations, and more recently cruising, always ready for the next one. He enjoyed the holidays and family dinners whether at home or out just as long as we all were together. His favorite quote was the old Italian proverb “le vacanze sono per le famiglie ogni altro giorno e per gli altri.” (“Holidays are for families every other day is for others.”)

He was a BIG Giants fan. If they won, we celebrated with an ice cream sundae. If they lost, his all-time favorite Lawrence Taylor’s poster was put in time out.

He also enjoyed going to the horse race track with his childhood friend Lenny Millo and Joel and Joyce Goldman. His biggest thrill was in 1973 seeing Secretariat win the Triple Crown at Belmont with his Dad, Uncle Carl and of course Lenny.

He also liked to stay up late and watch old movies especially westerns and war movies. He liked to play the slots in Atlantic City, Vegas, cruise boats or even just a day at the Hard Rock in Tampa. He spent many hours on his computer either on Facebook checking out what family and friends were up to or listening to music. I’m sure if you were his friend, he shared a song or two with you. He liked all kinds of music from Frank Sinatra to Rolling Stones. He used to say Mick looked like a chicken dancing around on stage. He even played the accordion in his younger years. Once in a while he would dust it off and play something for us.

Charles loved to meet people. He impacted people everywhere he went and though they rejoice that he has rejoined his Helen, they miss him dearly.

Please join us for Visitation on July 1 from 6-9pm or on July 2 at 10am at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home, before the Funeral Mass at 11:30am at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Deltona, Fl. Interment will follow at Deltona Memorial Gardens in Orange City, Florida.

Condolences may be offered in the online guest book below.