Joseph P. “Joe” Centrella, lifelong resident of Medford, passed away on Friday, May 28th. He was 88. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, he was the cherished son of the late Fiore and Antonetta (Scioli) Centrella.
Joseph enlisted into the United States Army in the winter of 1953, from Boston, serving during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in the winter of 1955 from Fort Devens, MA. Joe enjoyed spending time with his wife Rita and their two sons. He especially loved being a Papa and spending as much time with as he could with his grandchildren and his great granddaughter.
When Joe was not spending time with his family you could find him in his garden. Joe had a knack for fixing things and was always willing to help with any project whether it was painting, wallpapering, redoing a piece of furniture, fixing your favorite electric razor or installing rabbit ear antennas on your TV. He also loved baseball and enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren play sports.
Joseph was the beloved husband of Rita (Drinkwater) Centrella. He was the devoted father of Joseph P. Centrella, Jr. and his wife Donna of Burlington, and Stephen Centrella and his wife Mary of Rutland, MA. He was the loving Papa of Rachel Moran and her husband Bobby, Joey Centrella, Ashlee Reed and her husband Brett, and Jessica Kent and her husband Tim. He was the loving great Papa of Emersen and soon to be baby Lucas. He was the dear brother of Frank, Mike, Lucille, Rose, Mini, and the late Tony and Fiore Centrella. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Thursday, June 3rd at 8:30 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford, at 9:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday from 5 to 8 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Joseph’s name to VA Boston, Attn: Voluntary Services, 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02132