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Joseph Centra
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Beardsley Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
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Salinda Cowder
"I will miss Joe, and I am so glad that I got to know him and I have been blessed"
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Ben,and Marie Magee and their children Brittany, Brandon, Bradley , and Bridgette
"We are all going to miss Pap . He always treated us like we were one of his chil"
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Obituary for Joseph L. Centra

Joseph L.  Centra
Joseph L. Centra, 92, of Clearfield died on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at his home.

He was born on March 25, 1923 in Clearfield, a son of the late Arcangelo M. and Salvatrice ''Teresa'' (Lamendola) Centra.

Mr. Centra graduated from Clearfield High School in 1941 where he was known as ''Smokey Joe''. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 and proudly served his country until November of 1945. As a Scout (in front of the Front lines) for the 45th Infantry Division, Reconnaissance Cavalry Troop ''Thunderbirds'', he was the first American soldier to enter his father''s village of Carpineto Romano, Italy on June 5, 1944 after the German retreat. He participated in seven of the Division''s eight campaigns, from Sicily to the German border, including Anzio. To his credit, he has received two Beach Head Landings, the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, the Bronze Star, as well as other decorations. He was also named by the French Embassy as a "Chevalier" of the Legion of Honor, a sign of France''s gratitude for his personal contribution to the liberation of France during World War II.

After being discharged from the Army, Mr. Centra was employed by Harbison Walker Refractories, Robinson Clay until 1960, Lawdan Construction and then retired from the E.M. Brown Co. in 1998. In his retirement, Mr. Centra was an avid reader and became quite proficient in World War II military history. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing and had a profound respect for the simplicity of nature. Mr. Centra also loved and was very proud of his family and spending time with them at camp.

Mr. Centra was also proud of his Italian heritage and made five trips back to Italy after his discharge from the military. He took honor of paying respect to the fallen at Nettuno and Anzio. He also enjoyed visiting his family still living in Italy, including his nephew Quirino and his family.

He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield and the American Legion John Lewis Shade Post #6, Clearfield.

In October 26, 1946 he married Josephine V. (Violanti) Centra at St. Francis Catholic Church in Clearfield and she preceded him in death on July 25, 1993. He is survived by their four children, Marcel L. Centra and wife Janice of Frederick, MD, Linda Maines and husband David of Clearfield, Mark A. Centra and wife Maryann of Centreville, VA and Dino A. Centra and wife Cathy of Alexandria, VA; eight grandchildren, Robert E. Davis, Jolene M. Schneider and husband Thomas, Marcus J. Centra, Michael E. Centra, Zachary W. Centra, Cristen M. Centra, Jennifer Hardy and husband Kim and Amy Johnson and husband Robert; a great granddaughter, Gabriella Schneider; eight step great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Grace DeMarco of Marrero, LA and Anna Louise Teats of D''Iberville, MS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Centra was remarried to Jessie Mitchell Centra in May 1996 and she also preceded him in death. He is also survived by her two daughters whom were close with Mr. Centra; Sherry Stanton and husband Dr. Alan and Gail Mitchell and Steve Black and their families.

In addition to his parents and spouses, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Madeline Centra, Lucy Reano and Rosemarie Teats; and four brothers Angelo, Anthony, Vincent and Salvatore ''Sam'' Centra.

Mass of Christian burial will be said at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield on Saturday at 10 AM with Father John L. Miller as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Clearfield.

Friends will be received at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and on Saturday from 9-9:30 AM.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

To sign the on-line guestbook go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.

The family of Mr. Centra would like to thank the many thoughtful friends and extended family members who visited, specifically Father John Miller who shared conversation with him in the Italian language. Also, the family wishes to thank nurses Karen, Salinda and Vicki who provided such compassionate care.
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