Samuel David Cenci

Sam Cenci, 35, of Traverse City, was lifted up by the angels to Heaven on April 10 after suffering from a long term illness. We will remember forever his wry smile and sense of humor, kindness, helpfulness and devotion to his daughter Ava whom he loved more than anything or anyone on earth.

Sam loved to encourage his daughter to do well in school, and enjoyed helping her with her homework unless it was math! Together they enjoyed the Cherry, and Trout festivals, and going to the County Fair, adventures at Great Wolf Lodge, Michigan Adventure, and tubing at Holiday Hills. We remember the laughter our family shared with him over board games, cards, and making the infamous gingerbread houses at Christmas!

Handsome, yet humble, Sam had a melodic voice and played the guitar, was athletic, playing soccer as a youth and ran track, and enjoyed golfing, but his favorite winter sport was snowboarding which he loved.

Sam attended NMC, and was an avid creator of drawings, and liked to write. He loved being out in nature and walking the trails at Lake Dubonnet, taking trips to Florida, and studying the existence or non-existence of aliens!

Sam was always willing to share the chores around the house wherever he was living. He was grateful for his many friends, his daughter's mother, Jessica Graham, and the many sponsors who helped him in his recovery, and the sponsor who led Sam to the Lord. He loved his grandmother with whom he is now rejoicing in heaven. Sam would love for his life to be honored by encouraging, affirming and seeing the gifts and strengths in one another.

Sam is survived by his mother and father, Carol and Bob Cenci of Traverse City, his brother Matt Cenci and sister-in-law Danielle Cenci of Grand Rapids, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and his beloved daughter Ava Rose Graham who will always remain the apple of his eye.

He was preceded in death by his Grandmother Delia and Earl Cenci of Royal Oak, Michigan, and his Grandmother and Grandfather Betty and Torres Sebring.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a private service and interment will be planned for at the Long Lake Cemetery. A celebration of Sam’s life will be tentatively planned in late summer or fall.

Contributions in Samuel's memory may be made to Fr. Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49686 US; and State and BijouTheatres TCFF, PO Box 4064, Traverse City, Michigan 49685 US.

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