Eugene Francis "Pete" DeCenzo

Eugene "Pete" Francis DeCenzo

1928-2024

Eugene "Pete" Francis DeCenzo, age 95, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.  He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Pete was born in Bovey, MN to Pietro and Elisa (Voce) DeCenzo on May 17, 1928.  He graduated from Greenway High School in 1946. Pete played in the band and participated on the football, baseball, track, basketball, and boxing teams.  In 1951 he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in business administration.  While on a break from college he met the love of his life, Beverly A Conlin, who was teaching in Taconite.  They married on June 27, 1953, in Monticello, MN.

During the Korean War Pete served his country in the U. S. Air Force. Following his discharge Pete and Bev moved to Minneapolis, then Eveleth, MN and finally to Grand Rapids, MN.  He worked for Ed Phillips and Sons until he retired and received their man of the year award two straight years.

Pete was very active in community service and was a member of Booster Clubs, Jaycees, Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, curling club and still managed to coach baseball and hockey.

He and his family moved to Grand Rapids in 1972 and Pete continued his community service.  He enjoyed fishing as well as watching his daughter on the swim team and his sons play hockey.

Pete is survived by his loving wife of nearly 71 years, Bev; children, Teresa "Terrie" (Mike) Verbeten, Mark (Carolyn) DeCenzo, Peter (Kim) DeCenzo, Diana (Artie) Ochoa, John DeCenzo, former daughter-in-law Tammy DeCenzo; 10 grandchildren,  Matt Leitner, Dana (Brett) Lindstrom, Peter (Sara) Verbeten, Anthony DeCenzo, Vinnie (Meghan) DeCenzo, Marissa (Carl) Van Beber, Tony (Hannah) Ochoa, Nick DeCenzo, Janzen DeCenzo, and Autumn DeCenzo; 6 great grandchildren, Sophia, Leon, Collier, Jack, Colton and Louis and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Pietro and Elisa; sister, Mary Conlee; brother, Alfred DeCenzo; daughter-in-law, Kim DeCenzo.

A visitation will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, MN with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 AM.  Father Jerry Weiss will officiate.  The rendering of Military Funeral Honors will immediately follow Mass.

Arrangements are pending with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.