Lawrence Centeno

Lawrence “Larry” Centeno, 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2014, in Ventura following a lengthy illness. A resident of Ventura for nearly sixty years, Larry was a member of the PGA, a local golf instructor since 1979, and a lifelong avid Dodger fan.

Larry was the first baby born at Lompoc Valley Medical Center in Lompoc, CA on January 21, 1943, to Lawrence and Charlotte Centeno. He attended Ventura High School and Ventura College. Following graduation he joined the Operating Engineers Union at the age of 21 and worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator throughout his life. He served in the Vietnam War for 4 years and was honorably discharged in 1971. Larry met the love his life, Mary Ellen, in 1987 and married soon after. They resided in Ventura until Mary Ellen’s passing in 1997.

He was the club pro at the River Ridge and Las Posas Country Club respectively. Larry’s last big golf trip came one year ago when he attended The Masters in Augusta, Georgia. His last years as a golf instructor were spent mainly teaching young children, something he enjoyed.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Mary Ellen. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa and husband Michael Greenslit; daughter, Sunnie Mitrano and partner Bob Strohm; grandkids, Timothy Omdahl, Katelynn Mitrano, Elijah Mitrano, Bailey Greenslit, Christopher Mitrano, and Noah Greenslit; brothers, Robert Centeno and wife Irene, John Centeno and wife Delia; sisters, Charlotte Rago and husband Joe, Josephine (Miles and Michael) Martinez, and Teresa Watkins and husband Ed. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend many thanks to Dr. Menz and the caring staff at Community Memorial Hospital.

A memorial service for Larry will be held at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, on Thursday, April 3, 2014, at 6:00 P.M. Interment will take place the following day, Friday, April 4, 2014 at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Road in Santa Paula at 11:00 A.M.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.