Joseph L. Centra, 92, of Clearfield died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 at his home. He was born March 25, 1923 in Clearfield, a son of the late Arcangelo M. and Salvatrice ‘Teresa’ (Lamendola) Centra.
Mr. Centra graduated from the Clearfield High School in 1941, where he was known as “Smokey Joe.” He enlisted in the U.S. 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 and 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 U.S. 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 the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield, and the American Legion John Lewis Shade Post No. 6, Clearfield.
On Oct. 26, 1946, he married Josephine V. (Violanti) Centra at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Clearfield. She preceded him in death on July 25, 1993.
He is survived by their four children, Marcel L. Centra and his wife, Janice of Frederick, Md., Linda Maines and her husband, David of Clearfield, Mark A. Centra and his wife, Maryann of Centreville, Va., and Dino A. Centra and his wife, Cathy of Alexandria, Va.
He is survived by eight grandchildren, Robert E. Davis, Jolene M. Schneider and her husband, Thomas, Marcus J. Centra, Michael E. Centra, Zachary W. Centra, Cristen M. Centra, Jennifer Hardy and her husband, Kim and Amy Johnson and her 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, Miss.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Centra was remarried to Jessie Mitchell Centra in May of 1996, and she also preceded him in death. He is also survived by her two daughters who were close with Mr. Centra, Sherry Stanton and her 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.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield, with Father John L. Miller as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Clearfield.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
To sign the online 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.