Obituary of Gabriel A. Centi

Mr. Gabriel A. Centi, 83, of Chapel Place, Amsterdam, NY died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 25, 2010 with his loving family by his side. A lifelong city resident, Gabe was born on April 12, 1926 the son of the late Anthony and Mary Agosta Centi. He was educated locally and served in The United States Army Air Corps. during WWII. He was a member of many organizations including the DAV and The Southside Veteran s. He was also a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church. Gabe was the owner of the Crystal Bar in Amsterdam from 1958 until his retirement in 1988. Under his direction and commitment to the business, it continued to thrive during the recession of the 1950 s. Gabe created Crystal s signature pizza and sub sandwiches which has become the cornerstone of the Crystal Ristorante. It was his faith in God, his love of family, and his strong work ethic that sustained his life and allowed him to prosper not only as a businessman but as an individual. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Gabe was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Joseph Centi. His loving family includes his wife of 60 years, the former Theresa Duch, whom he married on August 27, 1950; three sons, Anthony Centi and his wife Carol of Amsterdam, NY, Mark Centi of Amsterdam, NY, and John Centi and his wife Virginia of Maryland; three daughters, Helene Vassi and her husband Benjamin of Broadalbin, NY, Theresa Morini and her husband Michael of Amsterdam, NY and Peggy Dygon of Amsterdam, NY; one brother Dr. Paul Centi and his wife Dorothy of Albany, NY; one sister, Clem Brumley and her husband David of Saratoga, NY; and a sister in law, Ruth Centi of Amsterdam, NY. Survivors also include his 19 cherished grandchildren, Kristi Maphia, Gabriel Centi and his wife Kacy, Melissa Riccio and her husband Christopher, Anthony AJ Centi; Benjamin, Frank and Theresa Anne Vassi; Rosa, Giana, Gabrielle, Dominique and Theresa Morini; Cherise, Nicole and Christian Centi; Danielle, Steven, Jacob and Lisa Dygon; one beloved great grandson, Gianni Riccio; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Monday, March 29, 2010 from 4 until 7p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY; where a Legacy Candle Ceremony will follow at 7:15p.m. to conclude calling hours. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 9:15a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, St. John Street, Amsterdam with the Rev. Lawrence Decker as celebrant. Private interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Mt. Carmel Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home office