Honeoye: February 15, 2018 at age 73. Predeceased by his parents, Donald H. and Elizabeth A. Doak Centner. Survived by his wife Carolyn J. Gipp Centner of Honeoye and daughter Tina (Ron) Gilbert of Dansville. Two grandchildren Kasey and Chloe of Dansville. Brothers, Bruce (Cheryl) of Virginia, and Keith (Terri) of Las Vegas. Sister, Donna (Robert) Weichec of North Tonawanda. Several nieces and nephews and friends.
Jack was born February 15, 1945 in North Tonawanda, NY the son of the late Donald and Elizabeth Centner. He and Carolyn were married on January 22, 1966 in Grace Church in North Tonawanda, NY and have celebrated 52 years of marriage. Jack had been employed as an Industrial Arts Teacher at Wayland Central School where he retired from in 1996. After retiring from the school, he was employed at The Furniture Doctor in Bloomfield for 4 years. Then he went on to be a Code Enforcement Officer for the Town of South Bristol where he had worked 10 years, retiring in February of 2011. He also ran a gun shop in Naples for 3-4 years. He enjoyed spending time at Honeoye Lake, fishing and boating. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Jack’s Funeral Service will be held Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 11am at the Kevin W Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 8624 Main Street, Route 20A, Honeoye, NY. In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be made to the Vincent House, 310 Second Avenue, PO Box 566, Wayland, NY 14572. To send a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I learned so much from Mr. Centner back in 1985 when I was a seventh grader in his class. I was thrilled to make my wooden clock and learn how to use tools. Today I do much of my own home improvement and my family teases me, calling me Bob the Builder. He left a lasting impression. I’m sorry to hear of his death.
Mr. Centner was one of my favorite teachers. I had him for Industrial Arts in 1975, and his knowledge and ingenuity never ceased to amaze me. He always had a smile and a positive attitude to pass on to his students. I remember one assignment in particular was to hang soda bottles in the kiln to melt and stretch, I was disappointed that mine didn’t deform as much as others in the batch; and instead of just “blowing me off” he took the time to explain to me about weight, density, hang wire length and bottle height being contributing factors as to why. That is a good teacher. I’m 60 years old now and Jack still is an influence in my life after 43 years. That bottle still sits on my desk to this day. My condolences to his family, he was a good man and caring teacher; he will be missed .
We are saddened to learn of Jack’s passing. He was always there to give his expertise on innumerable projects at our Wayland home. His selfless sharing of his skills and wit will live on as cherished memories. Our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Ray and Audrey
Carolyn,
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Spent a number of years working and socializing with Jack. Shared a number of boat rides, batmobile rides and “pops” over the years. I’m sure he will be missed.
Condolences to the family of Mr. Centner. A loss for the world of a great teacher, and kind and funny man. I truly enjoyed technology class because of him. I still think of him when I see someone put their fingers in their mouth and I can hear Mr. Centner saying “Finger nails are the most disgusting, all the germs that are hiding under there!” ?
So very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing, Carolyn and Tina. May God bless Jack and may God bless those who love and will miss him. I have such lovely memories of the good times we shared–Jack was always ready to help. He was a good friend. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
It was a privilege for all of us at VH to take care of Jack and his family
Thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a great teacher. I had the pleasure of being one of his students.
My dear friend, Jack. He was always willing to help with building projects around my house, we cut firewood together, and we always had a laugh at school in the faculty lounge. He was a good friend, and I hope he’s at peace, finding his way through the ever path that leads on after we’re gone.
A good man, with a good heart…
Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I had the pleasure of working down the hall from Jack while teaching in Wayland. The shotgun that I still use for deer hunting was purchased from him at his shop in Naples.