John A. Centrella, age 85, a longtime resident of Wilmington formerly of Medford, passed away peacefully on January 3rd, at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House of Reading following a period of declining health. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary J. (Masiello) and together they shared fifty years of marriage prior to her passing in February of 2008. Born in Medford he was the son of the late Lawrence and Mary (Capone) Centrella.
John was raised and educated in Medford where he graduated from the Medford Vocational High School. Following his graduation he soon enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served as a sergeant with the 808th Air Engineer Squadron during WWII. After returning home, John, who was always willing to work and had real entrepreneurial spirit, acquired several service stations in Medford that he owned and operated for many years. He also owned and operated the Medford Cab Co. for many years and later founded and operated Centre Trucking Service of North Reading, a company that he ran for nearly sixty years prior to his retirement. John enjoyed vacationing and spending the winter months at his second home in Bonita Springs, FL for many years, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family and most especially his grandchildren whom he adored and was so proud of.
John is survived by his daughters, Lillian Montalto of Andover and Carole Keller of Reading. He was the loving grandfather of Michael, Amanda and John Monge and great grandfather of Kayden Williams, Alex and Michael Monge. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Centrella of Medford and cousins Mario and Guy Centrella both of Medford. He was the brother of the late Joseph and Alfred Centrella.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 374 Main St. Wilmington, Friday, January 6th, from 4 thru 8 p.m. In keeping with John's wishes funeral services and interment will be private. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Of Middlesex East & Visiting Nurse Hospice, 607 North Ave, Suite 17, c/o Sawtelle Family Hospice House, Wakefield, MA 01880.