Robert Centurelli

Robert Centurelli, 77 of Bristol, husband of Judith (Anderson) Centurelli, passed away Thursday (December 19, 2019) at his home in Bristol, CT surrounded by his loved ones. A New Britain native, son of the late Henry and Julia (Jakubczyk) Centurelli, he was a former Berlin resident and a long time Plainville resident before moving to Kensington for several years and then to Bristol in 2000. Bob loved playing sports and played Basketball and Football for Berlin Highschool, graduating in 1960. Bob received both his undergraduate and Master's Degrees in Education from CCSU, and was a 5th and 6th grade teacher in the Plainville School System at Wheeler and Toffolon Elementary Schools for 35 years, retiring in 1999. Teaching was Bob's true passion. He was loved and respected by the many students, parents, and educators he interacted with over the years. Bob introduced his love of gardening to his students, growing seedling plants in the window of his classroom Room 22. He taught his students to play chess and inspired many students to participate in chess tournaments during indoor recess. Bob founded the Toffolon School Store, providing students from all grades the opportunity to purchase school supplies, novelties, and holiday gifts, while his classes experienced hands on learning about marketing and small business management. In his personal time, Bob loved travelling and being at home with his best friend and love of his life Judy. He enjoyed solitude in his vast garden. He truly enjoyed being a father, always providing rich and enjoyable experiences for his two daughters and finally in his retirement spending plenty of quality time with his four grandchildren, of whom he was so proud. Besides his wife Judy, Bob leaves two daughters, Christine Spataro and her husband Peter of Southington; and Laura Centurelli and her husband Richard Jackson of Canton; two brothers, Henry Centurelli and his wife JoAnne of Winsted; John Centurelli of Berlin; two sisters, Maggie Centurelli of Southington; and Julia Underwood and her husband David of Plainville; four grandchildren, Bianca and Marco Spataro and Jared and Linnea Dziekan, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Cheryl Rouelle of Higganum. A memorial service will be held Friday January 3, at 11:00 AM at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 355 Camp Street Bristol. Calling hours are one hour prior to the service at the church, 10-11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Foundation, PO Box 248, Shelton, CT 06484 or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. The Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting with arrangements. Please share a note of sympathy or remembrance at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com