Joseph V. Centa

Joseph Valentine “Cracky” Centa, 92, went home to be with the Lord Feb. 13, 2014. Preceded in death by wife of 65 years, Geraldine; parents, John and Theresa (Rupar) Centa; and six brothers. Survived by children, Dave (Linda) Centa, Dan (Gwen) Centa, Jodie (Ron) Orr, all of Avondale, and Tom (Kristin) Centa of Batavia, Ill.; grandchildren, Richard W. Wurster II, Tim (Jennifer) Centa, Deanna (Mike) Storm, Matthew (Emily) Centa, Megan Centa, Lauren (Seth) Ferguson and Jessica Centa; great-grandchildren, Noah Cumbee, Jack, Natalie and Kaitlyn Centa, Nicholas, Hannah and Emma Storm, Logan Orr and Hazel Centa; sisters- in-law, Helen Centa and Linda (Red) Cortner; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joe was an outstanding basketball player and while playing for Harry Simmons first team in Pueblo, was given the name “Cracky” because he was a “crack-shot” player. Cracky was a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific Theater in the U.S. Navy. He married the love of his life, Gerry, in 1945. They farmed and owned and operated Centa Dairy in Avondale until retirement in 1989. At that time, they took up the game of golf and played anytime they could. Cracky was proud of his Slovenian heritage. He enjoyed playing his accordion, polka music and was a sports enthusiast. He was passionate about his family and was a devout Catholic. He was a member of American Legion Post 2 and a life member of VFW 8898. He loved playing cards with his friends and family, and especially looked forward to Friday morning coffee and doughnuts. He was a man of faith, love, generosity, compassion and strength. He will be greatly missed. Donations may be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice or St. Joseph Church Building Fund. Visitation/ Viewing, 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home. Funeral Mass, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. Online condolences, www.tgmccarthy.com. Arrangements made by T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home. Special thanks and gratitude to our sister, Jodie Orr and niece, Keli Orr, for their loving care of our Dad and Grandpa. We also thank Dr. Nancy Chuch and the Sangre de Cristo Hospice staff, Stacy, Anita, Christy, Trish and Jake, for their excellent care.