Alphonse Centofanti

Mr. Alphonse Centofanti of Waltham, formerly of Cambridge, died Monday, September 16, 2019 in John Adams House in Quincy. He was 99.

Born on January 9, 1920 in Cambridge, Alphonse was the son of Italian immigrants Falco "Frank" and Josephine (Pacella) Centofanti. A graduate of Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, Al honorably served the country in the United States Navy, both in the Pacific during World War II as a firefighter, and later during the Korean War in Subic Bay in the Philippines. He married Connecticut native Angela Albano on May 16, 1953 in St. Vincent de Paul Church in East Haven. They lived many years in Cambridge until moving to Waltham in 1963. Al was a devoted and loving husband, especially during Angela's three year illness with cancer, until her death on October 1, 1979. Al joined Angela on Monday, September 16, 2019. He was 99 years old.

He worked as head of building maintenance for the Cambridge Public School System for over 30 years before retiring in 1980, after the loss of his wife Angela.

A proud veteran, he was a founding member and helped build the V.F.W. #8818 Memorial Post and enjoyed many lifelong friendships with its members. His daily walks to Harvard Square and through the grounds of Mount Auburn Cemetery kept him active and fit. Al was a fixture at Guido's Restaurant for morning coffee with his friends and walking companions. He enjoyed numerous rounds of golf at Fresh Pond Golf Course in Cambridge, and his summers afforded him time in his garden, which provided for wonderful meals with his family. Skilled with his hands, he tackled numerous repair and building projects that accompany home ownership. Every task was approached in the same methodical, meticulous manner and completed with pride while teaching his grandchildren how to use the tools. He had a soft spot in his heart for homeless veterans and would quietly help either volunteering or with financial help. He enjoyed travel with family to Cape Cod, California, Florida, the Caribbean and Europe. He had a special place in his heart for each of his six grandchildren and late in his life he was able to spend some time with his two great-grandchildren.

His family is grateful to the loving care provided by the staff of the Elder Service Plan, Rogerson House, and in particular his companion Joel Kaweesa.

In addition to his wife, Angela he is predeceased by his siblings, Yolanda, Ralph G.(Dorothy), Thomas E.(MaryAnn), Milena Centofanti-Lohnes and in-laws Anthony & Louise Albano, Paul and (Mary) Albano.

He leaves his children, Paul G. Centofanti (Lisa) of Waltham, David B. Centofanti of West Yarmouth, Susan K. Centofanti (George Bachrach) of Watertown and James R. Centofanti of Oakland, California; his grandchildren, Lauren A. Fournier (J.P.), Elizabeth L. Centofanti, Paul G. Centofanti (Daniel Lynch), Dana A. Centofanti, Harry H. Bachrach and Samuel A. Bachrach; great-grandchildren, John P. Fournier and Elizabeth L. Fournier; his sister, Emma Chase of Nashua, NH; in-laws, Marion Aronson (Robert) of Clinton, CT; nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Alphonse's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Thursday, September 19th from 5 to 8 p.m. and again at 8 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 770 Mount Auburn Street, WATERTOWN, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Al's memory to The Rogerson House, 434 Jamaicaway, Boston, MA 02130 or Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.