TITLE: In memory of John "J. D." Centilli of Waxahachie.

SUMMARY: In memory of John "J. D." Centilli of Waxahachie.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of John Centilli of Waxahachie on November 7, 2024, at the age of 95; and WHEREAS, The son of F. L. and Mary Centilli, "J. D." Centilli was born in Del Rio on October 31, 1929, and he grew up with the companionship of six siblings, Florine, Bill, Junior, Frank, Gerald, and Pat; a talented athlete, he ran track and played football and basketball in high school, and while attending Texas A&M University, he was a member of the Aggie football team; after earning his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1952, he served for two years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, receiving the National Defense Service Medal; and WHEREAS, Following his tenure in the military, Mr. Centilli returned to Texas A&M to obtain his master's degree in education; while there, he met the love of his life, the former Pauline Malazzo; the couple married on June 18, 1960, and they became the proud parents of three sons, Doug, Jeff, and Greg; and WHEREAS, Mr. Centilli enjoyed a long and rewarding career as an educator, coach, and administrator; as a high school football coach, his teams won multiple district championships and advanced to the state finals; he ultimately became the assistant superintendent of schools for the Waxahachie Independent School District, where he retired in 1991; among his numerous accolades, he was inducted into the Coastal Bend Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 2000; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Centilli was a member of the Knights of Columbus and president of the Waxahachie Lions Club; he took pleasure in spending time on his land, tending to his peach orchard, welding, and woodworking; a man of faith, he was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church; and WHEREAS, While the passing of J. D. Centilli brings great sadness to his family and friends, he leaves behind a legacy that will long be treasured by all those who held him dear; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of John Centilli and that sincere condolences be extended to the members of his family: to his wife, Pauline Centilli; to his sons, Doug, Jeff, and Greg Centilli; to his brother, Pat Centilli, and his wife, Martha; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of J. D. Centilli. Ashby Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 397 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 13, 2025. Chief Clerk of the House