JOHN A. Di CENZO

DI CENZO, John A.,71, formerly of Sheltra Ave., Coventry, passed away with his loving family by his side on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Hope Health Hospice Center in Providence.  He was the beloved husband of 46 years to Kathleen E. (Rooney) Di Cenzo.

Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Panfilo “Benny” and Mildred (Levesque) Di Cenzo.

John is a graduate of LaSalle Academy Class of 1965 and of Roger Williams University class of 1972.  He retired from the United States Postal Service in 2014.

John took on every task in life with a contagious smile.  He enjoyed being a member of Bonnet Shores Beach Club where he would float on his back to the buoys or body surf in the waves to shore.  He was an avid New England sports fan and he was most loyal to the New England Patriots.  He attended some home games with his brother-in-law and friends.  Breakfast was his favorite meal of the day.  He would find the best diners around town and invite anyone to join him where he would show off his daughter’s or grandchildren’s latest accomplishments.  He never missed an opportunity to slow dance with his wife because he was romantic by nature.  John loved to read a good book and write. Sometimes he would correct his daughter’s school papers.  He loved to travel North to ski with family or to tropical places with close friends.  He had to have the fattest Christmas trees that grew on the farm that year for the holidays even if he struggled to get it in the door and keep it in the tree stand.  He had a palette for ice cream, coffee from the drive thru, cherry cheesecake, and wine.  He also appreciated a good suit.  Chess, bowling, darts, bocci, and cards were favorite games he played.  He believed being honest was the only way to be happy.  He understood the magnitude of volunteer work through the Jaycees Junior Chamber of Commerce was necessary to the community.  The Catholic religion had such an impact on his life he was even a lecturer for Saints John and Paul Church in Coventry for several years.  Seeing his loved ones happy made him ecstatic and any excuse to celebrate with them was always welcomed.

Besides his wife, he leaves his two loving daughters, Petty Officer Kristi E. Di Cenzo, United States Navy Retired of Warwick and Erin Di Cenzo of Coventry; a brother, Leo Di Cenzo and his wife Sharie of Apple Valley, California; his sister-in- law Mary Braunmann of Coventry; his brother-in-law Robert Rooney of Orlando, Fl; his sister-in-law Jean Riley and her husband Andrew J. Sr.; three grandchildren, Abbi Ceesay, Dominique Faulkenberry and Miles Diaz and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Di Cenzo of Cranston; his brother-in-law James M. Rooney and his wife Lillian; his sister-in-law Dorothea Joyce and her husband Joseph; his sister-in-law Patricia Sellon and her husband Bradford Sr.;

his brother-in-law Donald Rooney and his wife Mabel; his sister-in-law, Sr. Phyllis Rooney SmSm and his brother-in-law Paul Rooney

A Drive-thru visitation will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2020 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd., Coventry.  His Funeral Mass and Burial will be private for the family.  In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter, 245 Waterman St., #306, Providence, RI 02906, or LaSalle Alumni Class of 1965 612 Academy Ave. Providence, RI or The Coalition Against Domestic Violence 422 Post Rd. #102 Warwick, RI 02888 would be greatly appreciated. Please send any condolences to the family in Care of Kristi E. Di Cenzo 400 Narragansett Parkway SB#10 Warwick, RI 02888.  

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