Randy Lee Centilli, age 63, of Traverse City passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 22, 1960, in Upton, England to Stanley Joseph Centilli (of Flint, Michigan) and the late Marjorie (Turner) Centilli (of Upton, England).
Randy came to the US in early 1963 and resided in Clio, Michigan until the family moved to Traverse City, Michigan in January 1976. Randy graduated from Traverse City High School in June 1978 and in September of that year, he and then girlfriend Karel Dillon Madsen had a little boy named Brad, whom they loved dearly, but made the hard decision to place him up for adoption. In 2004 Randy had the pleasure of reuniting with Brad and in 2016 attended his wedding, which was a dream come true for Randy.
Randy's work career began as a line cook at a few local restaurants before moving back to Clio to begin working with his father in what became a family trade, Concrete/Flatwork. While in Clio Randy met Sherry Graham at Conleys, a local convenience store, they married in 1984 moved to Traverse City and brought two beautiful children into the world, Kyle and Kassie. Randy started his own company, Centilli Cement, a successful business that he ran for more than 25 years, which enabled him to do what he loved most, provide for his family. Although the marriage did not last, Randy and Sherry continued with a love and dedication to raising their children.
Randy enjoyed mixing two of his great loves, golf and travel. Randy traveled the world searching for the best courses to play, finding his favorite places in Myrtle Beach, Arizona, Hawaii and right here in Northern Michigan. Randy also loved traveling back to where his life began, England, to visit his large family… and maybe golf a few. While golf and travel were his favorite fun activities, his true passion in life was his family. Especially his four beautiful, brilliant, and loving grandchildren. Time spent playing cards, dressing up with the girls, coloring, watching fireworks, enjoying a bonfire or swimming in the beautiful indoor pool he lovingly built for his kids, which now his grandchildren get to enjoy, these things were his greatest love and joy.
Randy is survived by his father, Stanley Joseph Centilli. Sons Brad (Christopher Mau) Wanke, Kyle Centilli and granddaughter Emberley Centilli. Daughter Kassie (Kyler Aiken) Centilli and grandchildren, Zander, Onnalise and Josie. His Sisters Donna (Jim) LaBadie, nephew Alec (Lexie Alexander) and niece Kailey (Michael Collins), Dawn Centilli, niece Shyanna Centilli and Tiffany (Tim) Morse, niece Hannah and nephew Landon, along with many Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends here and across the pond. Randy also leaves behind his loving partner Debbie Lorenz, who made his last years very happy.
Randy was preceded in death by his beautiful mother, Marjorie who we know has welcomed him home.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life for Randy will be held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Saturday October 12th, from 11a-1pm. Immediately following will be a continuation of the Celebration at his sister Dawn's home, located at 4868 Old Mill Drive, TC, MI 49684. Food and Drink will be provided along with great music, bonfire and great stories.
On Sunday, October 13th, the family would also like to invite anyone to The Crown. Lets golf in Randy's memory and raise money to help find a cure for what Randy suffered with, frontotemporal dementia. A donation box (cash or check payable to Brain Support Network) will be on site to help defer the cost for donating brains to science as a pay-it-forward program. The family will be in the club house after golfing and would love to see you. By October 9th, please call 231-946-2975 to schedule your tee time between 1pm and 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions in memory of Randy Centilli be made to Brain Support Network, PO Box 7264, Menio Park, CA 94026 www.brainsupportnetwork.org