Obituary of Theresa Centi

Mrs. Theresa Centi, 86, of Chapel Place, Amsterdam, NY, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 24, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was born in Cambridge, NY on July 27, 1931. She was raised on a small farm in Granville, NY with eleven siblings. It was there that she learned the love of God, the joy of music, the love of family and the satisfaction of a job well done. Terri graduated from Granville Central School at the age of 16 and moved to Amsterdam. She initially worked at Bigelow Sanford and The Printing Company, where she met several lifelong friends. On weekends, she would sing with The Tony Brooks Orchestra, but eventually left because it looked like her "friends were having all the fun on the dance floor." At the Crystal Bar, she met and fell in love with Gabriel A. Centi. They married on August 27, 1950 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Amsterdam, NY. While raising her six children, she helped Gabe at the Crystal Bar in whatever capacity was needed. As a faithful wife and mother, Terri devoted her life to building and nurturing her most precious possession, her family. She was a Eucharistic Minister, lecturer, cantor, religious instructor, and choir member at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Terri and Gabe's union lasted 60 years, until his passing on March 25, 2010. She was also predeceased by her precious granddaughter, Dominique Morini- Hermann, on December 31, 2014. She was also predeceased by ten of her siblings. Survivors include six children: Anthony Centi and his wife Carol of Amsterdam, NY; Helene Vassi and her husband Benjamin of Broadalbin, NY; Mark Centi of Amsterdam, NY; Theresa Morini and her husband Michael of Amsterdam, NY; John Centi and his wife Virginia of Mount Airy, MD; and Margaret Dygon of Amsterdam, NY. Survivors also include her 18 cherished grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren: Kristi Centi and her son, Marko, of the late Brad Groves; Gabriel Centi, his wife Kacy, and children Luca and Nadya; Melissa Riccio, her husband Christopher, and children Gianni, Cristiano, and Adrianna; Anthony "AJ" Centi; Benjamin Vassi, his wife Jamie, and children Brandon and Justin; Frank Vassi; Theresa Anne Marrero, her husband Richard, and daughter Risa; Dr. Rosa Perez and her husband Darien Perez; Giana, Gabrielle and Theresa "T.T." Morini; Cherise Centi and her son Derek; Nicole and Christian Centi; Danielle, Steven, Jacob and Lisa Dygon. She is also survived by her brother Michael Duch and his wife Dorothy of CA, and her sisters-in-law Clem Brumley of Saratoga Springs and Dorothy Centi of Albany NY, as well as many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:15 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam, NY with the Rev. Lawrence Decker as celebrant. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. A gathering for family and friends will take place Wednesday evening from 4 until 7 p.m. at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com. Memorial donations can be made to support Dr. Tom Catina's work in Africa. Checks can be made to the African Mission Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 2236, Hicksville, NY, 11802 or donations can be made online at www.amhf.us.