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BORN
1939
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Raymond CENNI Obituary
Born on April 3, 1939, in Ridgway, PA. He went to his "Last Best Place" on August 14, 2020. Surviving are his wife, Deborah Preiss Cenni of 32 years; sons John of Georgia, Robert (Jacqueline) of Ohio, and Joseph (Paulina) of PA; granddaughters Raeanna, Vivienne and Teresa; brothers Hugo (Deborah) and Joseph (Janet) of Brandy Camp, PA; along with several aunts, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Hugo and Pauline Cenni, of Brandy Camp, PA; sister Theresa and Robert Trunzo of Brockport, PA. Raymond began his career teaching mathematics at Brookfield Central School, Brookfield, NY. He taught math and then became high school principal in the newly merged school district of Pioneer Central School, Yorkshire, NY. He retired as High School Principal and Superintendent from the Sherman Central School District, Sherman, NY. He received his BS degree from Indiana State College, Indiana, PA, and MS degree from Canisius College, Buffalo, NY. He did other graduate work at SUNY Oneonta, Utica College, Colgate University, Syracuse University and St. Bonaventure University. Ray was involved in volunteer work throughout Chautauqua County. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Sherman Central School Scholarship Fund, Stanley Hose Company, or the Mayville Fire Department. Ray would like to thank you for all of your kind thoughts and especially your prayers. Due to COVID-19, services will be held privately for the family at the FREAY FUNERAL HOME, Mayville, NY. The Rev. Paul Sears will officiate. Private burial at Sherman Cemetery. A celebration of Ray's life will be held at a later date TBA. To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit www.freayfuneralhome.com
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond CENNI
John Keating
August 29, 2020
To quote from The Golden Girls' theme song: thank you for being a friend! My 20-year teaching career began at Sherman Central School because you said "yes" after an interview and hired me. Thank you, Ray. Move the clock ahead seven years, and you wrote a glowing nomination letter which led to me being selected by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the National Citizen Education Teacher Award. Thank you, again, Ray. I treasure, forever, those special dinners of recognition shared with you and Debbie. We had one other important connection; we were both Pennsylvania boys (Bradford and Ridgway). You will be missed.
Debbie Fields Bickerdyke
August 21, 2020
Say not in grief he is no more – but live in thankfulness that he was."
It is not length of life, but depth of life.May God bless your family,I hope you and your family can find peace in the memories that you have of him.May he now Rest In Peace in the arms of his-angels We always would go over to the store as kids when we were in Brandy Camp . loved his family they were all wonderful to us all
Daney and Norma Fields Family
Debbie,Mark,Cheryl,Mike and Jeanine
Mark Dalton
August 19, 2020
Dear Debbie,
Was so saddened to get your email Saturday. I will admit I’ve read Ray’s notice about 5 times. What a tremendous legacy he has left us with. I was particularly amazed about not only his many professional accomplishments (teacher, Principal and Superintendent) but also his many academic degrees and studies! Regret that I mostly heard of his charitable (of which there were many) causes and support. Truly a greatly admired teacher and the type of gentleman that led by example. Also, was hopeful we could share chemo horror stories over the next few months. R.I.P. Ray. Thoughts and prayers Deb. Am holding you and your family in heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
Denise Willard
August 19, 2020
My heart hurts for the entire Cenni family, over your loss!! I loved Mr. Cenni, he was the greatest principal EVER!! Reading Mr. Pendolino's comment, above, I broke out in tears , again, because he described Mr. Cenni to a tee, I remember his quiet walks through the halls. Please except my sincerest condolences during this difficult time, thoughts and hugs to you all!!
Dorothy, Natalia & Eddie
August 19, 2020
Dear Deb, Bob, Jacqueline and Raeanna,
Our deepest condolences to you all. Ray will be dearly missed.
Pat Losey
August 19, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Family of Barry Ashworth
August 19, 2020
Sending our deepest condolences to the Cenni family. Our thoughts and hearts are with you all at this very difficult time. Sending our love and support.
Marie Rensel
August 18, 2020
Dear Deb, I was so saddened to hear of Ray's passing. Ray fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. May he wear the laurel crown, and have ever lasting peace. You're in my thoughts and prayers, may God's promises bring you comfort.
Michele, Andy, Christopher & Sara Pilch
August 18, 2020
Our deepest condolences & sympathy to Joe & the girls, and his whole family. You're in our thoughts and hearts.
kelly lewis
August 18, 2020
Mr. Cenni was a fantastic and very well thought of principal, so glad he was ours (for a while)
Jack King
August 18, 2020
Deb and Sons: Please accept my deepest sympathy. We of '57 will find our condolence in the joyful memories of his youth.
R.I.P., my friend.
Dawn Suleski Pijanowski
August 18, 2020
Mrs. Cenni, John, Bob, and Family: My deepest sympathies to you all during this difficult time. Mr. Cenni was such a wonderful and fair Principal at Pioneer High School. He always made time to talk and encourage the students at Pioneer High School. He will surely be missed. Rest in. peace Mr. Cenni.
James Pendolino
August 17, 2020
Debbie, John, Bob & Joe-----
It was with great sadness that I learned of Ray's passing. Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy.
Ray was my first boss and I couldn't have had a better mentor. He was always available to talk, answer questions, give advice and provide an encouraging word (he could also straighten you out if needed, but let's not talk about that!!). As a master of developing relationships, Ray could speak to students, faculty and staff in such a manner that put everyone at ease. The deep interest and empathy he showed us created such a warm environment. No other administrator has ever had that skill at his level and no other ever will. It's said that people might have forgotten what you've said to them, but they will never forget how you made them feel. So true in Ray's case! I lasted only 12 years at Pioneer, but to this day I remember how Ray made me feel. Ray knew exactly what was going on in his building. His walks through the hall were low key, but he quietly took it all in. Everything was OK with Ray at the helm, and we all were OK with that.
I believe that laughter is more powerful than grief and that love is more powerful than death. Let's all remember how much we enjoyed Ray so we can laugh at the good memories and hold on to the caring & empathy he instilled in each of us. Rest in peace, my friend, rest in peace.
Thomas Jordan
August 17, 2020
Dear Deb, again I sent to you and the boys my condolences. You and Ray had 32 wonderful years together and I'm sure as time passes you will have time to remember each and every one of them. Ray always made everyone feel welcome and I'm sure made hundreds of friends along the way. May Our Lord Bless Ray, hold Ray and watch over you and all who mourn his passing. #CenniStrong
Marsha Cowen
August 17, 2020
I worked with Ray at Randolph Academy and he was such a kind man. So very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
Jodi Burton
August 17, 2020
What an amazing Principal! Thinking of you all at this time!
Erica Olson-Carter
August 17, 2020
So incredibly sorry for your loss Mrs. Cenni. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you.
Michelle Hopkins-Karpinski
August 17, 2020
So very sorry for your families loss of a great guy. May your memories bring you comfort. You are all in my prayers.
Jill Northway
August 17, 2020
Debbie, so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Sending our love and sincere sympathies. Greg and Jill (Morabito) Northway
Eunicy Smith-Dolan
August 17, 2020
I remember Mr. Cenni from high school, he was always willing to help. Even though he was principal and superintendent , he was never too busy to help us with our math if we asked.
Dan Dytchkowskyj (Dike)
August 16, 2020
An outstanding example of leadership to students: he was consistently fair, but firm; a person of good character and that of a gentleman. While in this world, I don’t know if he truly knew the positive impact he made upon those in his charge; but, I opine, he does now. My heartfelt condolences to his family and may they know God’s loving peace.
Lynda Essenter
August 16, 2020
Dear Debbie and family
I am so very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. May he now Rest In Peace. You both have been through so much.
Lynda Essenter
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