Obituary of Joseph J. Centak

Joseph J. Centak Jr., 81, of Hanover Township, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. He was born in the Parsons Section of Wilkes-Barre, a son of the late Joseph J. Centak Sr. and Cecelia Bondoch Centak. Joe was a graduate of Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre. He served in the United States Army Reserves. Prior to his retirement, he was employed for many years serving as a yard master in the railroad industry, having worked for the Penn Central Railroad, the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and Conrail. Joe was a devoted member of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish at St. Aloysius Church in Wilkes-Barre, where he served as an usher and member of the Holy Name Society (Past-President). He was a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 302, Wilkes-Barre. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Centak and brother-in-law, Daniel Masakowski. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Judith O’Boyle Centak, with whom he celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary on January 9, 2025. He is also survived by his children, Scott Centak and his fiancé, Aubrey; Kelly Frail and her husband, Robert; granddaughter, Riley Frail; Holly Eichhorn and her husband, David; brother, David Centak and his wife, Mary; sister, Yvonne Masakowski, sister-in-law, Colleen Zupancic; sister-in-law, Rose Centak; several nieces and nephews. Joe was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, organizing many annual trips for the Holy Name Society to see the Phillies and Eagles play. He enjoyed frequent trips to the Mohegan Sun casino, with his daughters, and annual trout fishing trips with his son. A celebration of Joe’s life will begin with a visitation for family and friends from 9-11 am on Monday in St. Robert Bellarmine Parish at St. Aloysius Church, Barney and Division Streets in Wilkes-Barre, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. His pastor, Rev. Richard Cirba, will be the celebrant. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. The family would like to thank the staff of Maple Ridge Rehab and Healthcare Center for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to St. Robert Bellarmine Parish at St. Aloysius Church, 143 Division Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Condolences may be sent by visiting Joe’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.