Robert Centala

CENTALA, Robert “Bob” James, age 88, of Rogers City
passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb, 13, 2017 at MidMichigan
Medical Center-Alpena.

His passing was the result of a stroke suffered on February 8, 2017,
while doing what he did best: singing joyously with praise to God
the Father and the Lord Jesus with the St. Ignatius Choir.

He was born in Rogers City, Michigan to Stanley “Steve” and
Irene (Lamb) Centala on August 14, 1928. Bob successfully and
competently wore many hats during his 88 plus years as a truly faithful
creation of Our Father and an amazing gift to this world. Following his
high school education, Bob enlisted in the US Navy and proudly and
bravely served his country as a crewmember aboard the USS Antictam
(CV-36), which was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during
and shortly after World War II. After his honorable discharge from the
Navy, Bob then embarked on what was going to prove to be his first and
always foremost vocation – his steadfast devotion to his family,
especially his surviving beloved wife of 66 years, Dolores “Dolly”
Centala. Bob and Dolly were married on February 24, 1951 with the
marriage being sanctified and blessed by the Rev. Kenneth Povish at
St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Rogers City. And blessed it was!

In addition to his dear wife, Bob is survived by the following loving
legacy of 103 souls:
His eight (8) children and their (8) spouses and (1) former daughter-in-law:
Michael (Karen) and former daughter-in-law, Diane Hale, Scott (Nancy),
Julie (Gary) Geno, Kirk (Sherry), Andrew (Jane), Roberta (Mark)
Viegelahn, Kathy (Mike) Vroman, and Robert “Butts” (Niki),
His thirty-eight (38) grandchildren, Jessica, Angela (Anthony), Leandra
(Jeff), Michael (Vany), Jerilyn “J.J.” (Rod), Jason (Nikki), Nancy (Adam),
Joshua (Jenni), Naomi, Joanna “Annie” (Aaron), Joshua, Nikki (Tim),
Jessica (Tim), Jennifer “Jenny”, Mikailah (Blake), Aaron (Sheila), Andrea
(Towan), Jocelin (Greg), Andrew, Gabrielle (Tom), Zachary, Dylan, Sierra
(Lane), Casey (Vicki), Corey (Cat), Kyle (Emily), Kristina, Erica, Jenna
(Matt), Dana (Bernard), Cheyenne, Brooke (Kevin), Robert “R.J.”, Leah,
Marrissa, Dakota, Hailey, and Allison,
His forty-seven (47) great-grandchildren: Logan, Jalen, Mason, Isaiah,
Lucy, Ethan, Ezra, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Braylon, Grace, Makenna, Michael,
Ricardo (Ricki), Eden (Karl), Brianna (Ben), Kylee, Makenna, Evan,
Hally, Estella, Guinevere, Beckett, Olivia, Matthew, Megan, Jacob, Isaac,
Ainsley, Connor, Ava, Mya, Mia, Emma, Lila, Chloe, Clarah, Aiden,
Brooke, Kirra, Jack, Aricl, Xavier, Paisley, Jaidyn, Kyler, and Harper.
And finally, his one (1) and only great-greatgrandchild, Ezekiel,
Bob also leaves behind his only surviving sister, Betty (Herb) Derry, and
his nieces, Michelle (Tom) and Jackie.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Irene; and a sister,
Suzanne “Suzie” Centala.

To support his amazingly prolific procreation, Bob worked at various times
throughout his career in the following: plant worker at Stoneport;
breadtruck driver for Sunbeam; and finally, as a merchant marine, retiring
as a Chief Engineer for the Great Lakes Fleet out of Calcite. Bob also was
a devout and faithful member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, having sang
as part of the choir there since the 1950’s. He also was a proud member
and Past Post Commander of VFW Post 3209 as well as being a life
member of Post 607, Finally, Bob was a loyal and faithful 4th Degree and
3rd Degree member of the local Knights of Columbus, having also served
as proud member of the Color Corps and a Past Grand Knight. As if those
activities were not enough for the average man, in his spare time,
especially after his retirement in 1990, Bob loved to golf, play spitzer,
and socialize with his many friends at “The Club”, “Grekas”, the
“Pinewoods”, and the Canteen at VFW Post 607. But undoubtedly, as
everyone who ever knew him will most certainly attest, Bob’s greatest
activity and passion was his music, especially singing. In his early years,
Bob played the trumpet with several local bands. However, Bob was best
known for his beautiful singing voice. Locally, he was always a favorite
for his golden-throated renditions of “Ave Maria” during many masses and
funerals, and “The Star-Spangled Banner” for countless wrestling meets
and other athletic events at Rogers City High School, where he was
affectionately known and will be forever remembered as “Gramps”.

In summary, Bob lived a truly full and enriched life and really blessed all
those he came into contact with his compassion, wonderful sense of
humor, and his impassioned and melodic singing. He will be missed but
we will forever love him!

Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017
from 3-8 p.m., with rosary by the Knights of Columbus at 6:30 p.m.,
followed by military honors accorded by the Rogers City VFW Post 607,
and the parish wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the
funeral home on Thursday from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Mass will be at
St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at 11 a.m. with
Fr. Sylvestre Obwaka officiating.

Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in the spring.
Memorials may be given to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, St. Jude Hospital,

St. Ignatius School or the 4th Degree Chalice fund in memory
of Robert Centala,