Vincent Centanni
US ARMY
September 11, 1928 - May 11, 2023
Vincent "Kayo" Centanni, 94, of Metairie, Louisiana, and a native son of New Orleans, passed away peacefully in his home with his wife of 72 years, Muriel, by his side, on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Kayo was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Born September 11, 1928 as the second of seven children to Angelo and Rosie Centanni. 1950 was a momentous year as he married the love of his life, Muriel Nagim Centanni, and began a 36 year career with the Illinois Central Railroad. Soon drafted into the Army during the Korean War, he returned from service, rejoined the Illinois Central Railroad, and earned a degree in architectural design from Delgado Community College. He promptly created Centanni Construction Company leading to a successful 50 year career in residential home construction. Kayo and Muriel enjoyed competitive dancing, travel, Las Vegas junkets, and especially hosting many family meals. They were founding and lifetime parishioners of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Metairie and active in Charismatic Renewal. Vincent was predeceased by his parents, Angelo and Rosie; his brothers, Roy, Angelo, Jr., and Frank; sister, Anna Mae; and son-in-law, Stephen Ashley. He is survived by his wife, Muriel; children, Sherri Ashley and Vincent Centanni, Jr. (Marcela); grandchildren, Shannon Ashley Daigle (Jason), Stephen Ashley, II (Caroline), Vincent Centanni, III (Jewel), and Franco Centanni; as well as four great-grandchildren, Calli and Max Daigle, Stephen Ashley, III ("Bubby"), and Katherine Ashley ("Khaki"). Also survived by sisters, Rosary Henry and Antoinette Decker, along with many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the nurse, Charles Barbier, and hospice aide, Megan Starwood, both from Heart of Hospice, and to Kayo's caregivers, Shanell Ivory and Kim Anderson. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 901 Beverly Garden Dr. in Metairie, Louisiana, on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 12:00PM. The visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00AM. The interment will follow the Mass at Lake Lawn Park. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
Published by The Times-Picayune on May 16, 2023.
