July 15, 1941 ~ May 9, 2016
Michael A. Centala, 74, of Bay City, our generous, honest, and thoughtful husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend was born into eternal life on the afternoon of Monday, May 9, 2016 at McLaren Bay Region with his family by his side. Mike was born in Bay City on July 15, 1941. He attended St. James School and went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1966. Mike worked as a painter, asphalt worker, and retired from Bramblewood in the maintenance department. He loved to fish, watch baseball and NASCAR, play pool, bowl, and enjoyed gambling. While working as a bartender at the Madison Pub, he met Terri Steep Oginsky. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on July 10, 1999. Terri is left behind to cherish his legacy and memories, along with his son, Marty Centala and step-children, Stephanie (Jerald) Mitchell, Michael (Jennifer) Oginsky, and Nicholas Oginsky. Mike was the loving and supportive brother of Joseph (Martie) Centala, William (Gloria) Centala, Rose Swanton (Bob Zielinski), and Leroy (Debbie) Wright. Also surviving are his in-laws, Troy and Ann Naeyaert, Jeff and Connie Steep, and Linda Steep, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mike was welcomed home to heaven by his parents, Margaret and Willard Wright and Alfred Centala; son, Michael “Micky” Centala; sisters, Diane Beaver and Sue Ann Wright; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Margaret Steep, and brothers-in-law, Edward Steep and Vic Salinas. His true love was for his family. Mike was kind to all, had a servant’s heart, and was quick to help any person, from any walk of life. Mike’s family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Friday, May 13, 2016 from 10:00 AM until the time of his 11:00 AM Tribute Ceremony at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Fr. Andrew Moulton will officiate with cremation to follow. Immediately following, the family will welcome guests for a Celebration of Life Reception in The Wesley Room at Skorupski’s. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Mike was most appreciative of Dr. Schisler’s attentive care, and the entire family wishes to thank Jessica in critical care at McLaren Bay Region for her compassionate care. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
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Michael A. Centala, 74, of Bay City, our generous, honest, and thoughtful husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend was born into eternal life on the afternoon of Monday, May 9, 2016 at McLaren Bay Region with his family by his side. Mike was born in Bay City on July 15, 1941. He attended St. James School and went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1966. Mike worked as a painter, asphalt worker, and retired from Bramblewood in the maintenance department. He loved to fish, watch baseball and NASCAR, play pool, bowl, and enjoyed gambling. While working as a bartender at the Madison Pub, he met Terri Steep Oginsky. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on July 10, 1999. Terri is left behind to cherish his legacy and memories, along with his son, Marty Centala and step-children, Stephanie (Jerald) Mitchell, Michael (Jennifer) Oginsky, and Nicholas Oginsky. Mike was the loving and supportive brother of Joseph (Martie) Centala, William (Gloria) Centala, Rose Swanton (Bob Zielinski), and Leroy (Debbie) Wright. Also surviving are his in-laws, Troy and Ann Naeyaert, Jeff and Connie Steep, and Linda Steep, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mike was welcomed home to heaven by his parents, Margaret and Willard Wright and Alfred Centala; son, Michael "Micky" Centala; sisters, Diane Beaver and Sue Ann Wright; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Margaret Steep, and brothers-in-law, Edward Steep and Vic Salinas. His true love was for his family. Mike was kind to all, had a servant's heart, and was quick to help any person, from any walk of life. Mike's family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Friday, May 13, 2016 from 10:00 AM until the time of his 11:00 AM Tribute Ceremony at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Fr. Andrew Moulton will officiate with cremation to follow. Immediately following, the family will welcome guests for a Celebration of Life Reception in The Wesley Room at Skorupski's. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Mike was most appreciative of Dr. Schisler's attentive care, and the entire family wishes to thank Jessica in critical care at McLaren Bay Region for her compassionate care. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
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My heartfelt sympathy to you Terri and your entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Carol
Terri, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God hold you and family tight, in this time of sorrow. God be with you all.
Terri it is with much love that I extend my family’s condolences to you and your family. Mike was a great guy and I enjoyed his presence. May the peace of God and His grace comfort and sustain you now and all of the says ahead.
God bless and keep you Michael. I remember you and Joe from school. Doc Shissler is great. God speed my friend. Hubert Bowden.
You don’t know me, but my dad was Gary Weitzel and he was one of Mike’s good friends. My dad passed away last July, and Mike would visit him often and kept in touch. That meant a lot to my dad. I’m very sorry for your family’s loss.
Lisa Cotter
Terri, I cannot even begin to imagine your loss and sorrow. What I can do is tell you that I am so very sorry, my heart is with you at this very difficult time, and I pray you are completely surrounded by the immeasurable power of God’s love through your family and friends.
Denise Rankin
Terri,
We are so sorry for your loss. I never met Mike, but I am sure he was a good man and will be greatly missed. Please ask Fr. Andrew to remember him in the liturgy.
Joe, Claire and Gena Guarniere
Dear Terri,
We were so very sorry to hear about Mike’s passing.
May all the great times you shared soon fill the space that grief holds now.
Dell & Sue Thompson & family.