Obituary of Antonio Centra

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Antonio (Tony) Centra on July 9th, 2020, at Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket, Ontario, at the age of 82. He died peacefully after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Antonio was born on April 17th, 1938 in Carpineto, Romano, Italy to Aurelio Centra and Giuseppina Martella. He immigrated to Canada in 1958, became a proud citizen, and built a wonderful life for his family in northern Ontario. On August 24, 1963, he married his beloved wife, Anna Campagna, to whom he was always a devoted and loving husband. They were married for 57 years and Anna was always by his side as they raised their three children in Sudbury and then retired to Newmarket. They also spent 30 summers at their cottage on Lake Kagawong, Manitoulin Island, his favourite place on earth. Antonio worked very hard as a miner under difficult conditions for 30 years in order to fulfill his dream of sending his children to university. In his earlier years, he was a skilled artist and soccer player. Later, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping in northern Ontario with family and friends. He was also a wonderful cook and gardener. His elaborate family dinners will live on in our hearts forever. Antonio is survived by his loving wife, Anna Centra; his beloved children, Aurelio (Kari) Centra, Paola (Tom) Matheson, Tania (Patrick) Centra; his adoring grandchildren, Tony, Jenna, Quin, Avery, Liam, Nyla and Ethan; sisters Selena (the late Italo) Prosperi and Ernesta (the late Orfeo) Lidano; sisters-in-law Rita (the late Angelo) Mancini and Maria (Georgio) Garbrielli; brother-in-law Padre Enzo Campagna; many nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy; as well as other beloved friends and relatives.The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Princess Margaret Hospital, Stronach Cancer Centre and the Margaret Bahen Hospice for their constant and attentive support. Due to Covid-19, a private Funeral Mass in celebration of Antonio’s life will be held at St. John Chrysostom Church in Newmarket for immediate family. The mass will be live-streamed for family and friends who cannot attend. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul … surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket, Ontario.