Vincenzo "Jim" Centofanti

Vincenzo "Jim" Centofanti, 78 Vincenzo "Jim" Centofanti, 78, of Struthers, Ohio, a long time Struthers Police Officer died Thursday, November 9, 2006 in Hospice House. He was born July 30, 1928 in Bell, Pennsylvania, a son of Paul and Maria DelSignore Centofanti. He moved to Italy as an infant with his family returning to Pennsylvania in 1939. He came to Struthers in the eighth grade. Mr. Centofanti became a graduate of Struthers High School upon return from military service. He was a member of St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, the Fraternal Order of Police #41 and VFW 3538 of Struthers. He had worked in the Youngstown Sheet and Tube as a crane follower before entering the Navy where he served two years. He returned to the area and then entered the Army where he became a Ranger, a paratrooper and was glider qualified, serving in the 11th Airborne Reconnaissance Unit. Upon his discharge he joined the Struthers Police Department retiring in 1984 after 30 years. He leaves his wife the former Zelpha Stargel whom he married September 15, 1951; two daughters, Debbie (Rob) Yurko of Pulaski, Pennsylvania and Denise (Don) Paliga of Lakemore, Ohio; two sons, Vince (Bonnie) Centofanti and Kenneth (Colleen) Centofanti both of Struthers; grandsons, Noah Barber and Matthew Paliga; granddaughters, Amy Paliga, , Kerry Paliga, Corey Centofanti, Allison Centofanti, Michelle Centofanti and Juilia Centofanti. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Rose Infante, a brother Carl Centofanti and a grandson Vincy Centofanti. Friends will be received Sunday November 12, 2006 from 4 to 7 PM at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main Street Poland, Ohio where the Struthers Police Department will provide an honor guard. A prayer service will be held at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Monday November 13 at 10:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church at 10:30 AM. The mass will be celebrated by the Reverend Martin Celuch. An Interment service will follow at St. John's Cemetery with the Army providing Flag honors. A luncheon will be held at the Cunningham-Becker Family Center (located in the funeral home) following the interment service. The family wants to express their sincere appreciation to the entire staff of the Liberty Health Care Center for their loving care of Mr. Centofanti. Condolences may sent at www.beckerobits.com

---