Obituary
Kansas City Mo – John L. Centonze, 91, passed away peacefully Nov. 14, 2020, after living a long and wonderful life with a family that loved him dearly. John was born to Italian immigrants, Vito Centonze and Lillian Ann (Barresi) Centonze, on April 10, 1929, and was a first-generation American. He attended Central High School and went on to work for the Kansas City Star for 27 years. After a reorganization there, he worked at Stuart Hall for 10 years.
His adoring wife of 53 years, Rose Marie (Manfredi) Centonze, preceded him in death in 2010. They were married on June 8, 1957, and raised four children in South Kansas City, Mo. Upon retirement, they moved to Belton, Mo., and enjoyed being Winter Texans in their RV where they made many friends and enjoyed square dancing. John also enjoyed spending time with his loving family and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a consummate family man who put his family ahead of everything. He would enchant everyone with stories of his life back in the old days. His memory and wit were resilient and remained steadfast to the end!
John was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister Rosemary Monteleone, stepfather Louis Accardo, stepbrother Phil Accardo, and numerous aunts and uncles whom he adored. He is survived by his children, Lilly Kissee, Rose Centonze, Vito (Glenna) Centonze and Johnna (Darren) Bahner. They were blessed with nine grandchildren: Nicholas (Kim) Centonze, Chris (Jennifer) Centonze, Natalie (Chase) Fritzshall, Sara (Luke) Parsons, Emily (Paul) Tung, Brian Kissee, Ashley (Zak) Hodson, John (Rachel) Bahner and Jared Bahner, as well as eight greatgrandchildren. Also surviving are his stepbrother, Nate Accardo, and numerous cousins.
John’s family would like to thank Brookdale Wornall for their care and attention these last three years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, who cared for him during the last week of his journey.
Visitation will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 SW State Route 150, Lee’s Summit, Mo., on Wednesday Nov. 18, from 5-7 p.m., with rosary being said from 5-5:20 p.m. Funeral service will be at Holy Spirit on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m., with a graveside service at Mount Olivet to follow. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks will be required in the church and at the graveside.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee's Summit, MO 64082
Services
Lee's Summit, MO 64082
Such a dear man. Tony’s godson and they were close for many years. We spent a lot of fun times with Rosie and John. The Lord is holding him close and now he is at peace with Him and family that has gone before. Rest in Peace. Sorry for your loss and know he will be missed.
Love,
Patricia Monteleone
such a pleasure to have known this man! just to be in ear-shot of him was great. he will be missed terribly by all that knew him! rest in peace now sir….
John & I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle John was a wonderful person and a blessing to everyone. You were blessed to have him all these years. Praying God will surround you with His Love & Peace.
A great neighbor and father of the kids I played with growing up in Hickman Mills. I’m so glad we reconnected nearly 10 years ago, and got to share many life stories over the past few years. He will be missed by many, but his legacy of the ultimate family man will remain with all of his heirs forever. My sincere condolences to all of the Centonze Family.
I was sad to hear of John’s passing. We were “pew buddies” at Holy Spirit when he attended 8:30 mass. I will miss his smile and our lively conversations after mass. His face always lit up when he talked about his family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Peace be with you all.
Our Love & Prayers are with all of you! Your Dad was a wonderful man!
Love, Janet & John Berry
Uncle John
Oh how I enjoyed being your pin pal. You will be forever missed. So glad your with Aunt Rose now.
Your were a great father and your kids and grandchildren are proof of that.
Job well done.
Rest in peace Uncle John.
Love u so.
Dana Manfredi Ciarletta
What a wonderful, caring man he was! He ALWAYS had a smile whenever he greeted me and ALWAYS made me feel welcomed! He had so much Love around him, and definitely displayed that as well! My Deepest and Heart-felt Sympathy goes out to all the family at this very difficult time!
I knew John. I also worked at the Kansas City Star and worked closely with John, until the “Reorganization” in 1974. He always had a smile and a great sense of humor.
Lilly, Rose, Johnna & Vito
My prayers & thoughts are with all of you & your family.
Your father was one of the most kindest & sweetest men I’ve ever known. The very best!
May all your beautiful memories bring you comfort & inner peace. God Bless!
With deepest heartfelt sympathy ?
I am sorry to hear of John’s passing. Always a true gentleman. My parents Jack and Mary spoke very kindly of John and Rose.
My condolences to the entire family.
Frank Pisciotta
.