John N. Centolella's Obituary
John N. Centolella, 38, passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2019. He was born on May 22, 1981 in Liverpool, NY, the youngest son of Louis M. and Emilia T. Centolella.
A loving son, brother, nephew, and the favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews, John grew up in and lived most of his life in DeWitt, NY. He graduated from Jamesville-DeWitt High School in 2000, and from Towson University in Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004. After college, John worked in sales in Jupiter, Florida, before returning to Syracuse to join the family’s equipment leasing and finance company, where he excelled in his sales, credit, and leadership roles, working alongside his brothers, Louis and Jason, in the business founded by their father.
John was preceded in death by his father, Louis M. Centolella; his uncles, Nicholas Balzano and Joseph John Centolella; his maternal grandparents, Nicholas and Terese Balzano; his paternal grandparents, Louis and Catherine Centolella, and his cousin, Regina Light.
John is survived by his mother, Emilia; his two brothers, Louis and Jason, as well as Alicia Pekarsky, Katie Centolella, Barbara Tallarico; his nephews, Matthew, Elijah, and Nicholas; his nieces, Anna and Julia, all of DeWitt, NY, and his many aunts, uncles, and other relatives. John is also survived by his loving girlfriend of many years, Ashley Smolinsky. John and Ashley made their home together in Denver, CO.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church in DeWitt, NY at Noon on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. A visitation will be held at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY on Friday, September 13, 2019; the family will be greeting friends and relatives from 4 pm to 7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to either the Boys & Girls Club of Syracuse or to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?