Jeremiah William Centrella

I had the delight, and what now feels like a real privilege, of working with Jeremiah during my time at Mercy Corps. We overlapped for about 10 years and during that time, every meeting and gathering with Jeremiah only increased my respect and admiration for him. He made me see lawyers through a different lens - more human, deeply curious, and wanting to do the right thing from all angles, not just following the letter of the law. He made it fun to explore the edges and possibilities and whatever we landed on at the end, I knew that was the right approach - just because he took the time and care to do so.

He had an infectious smile and a bounce in his step - literally, as we had those infamous stairs at the MC office!

I can't wrap my mind around this news. Its devastating and gut wrenching when I think of the kind and smart soul we have lost and that his daughters wont get to walk this path with him on their side, that his wife will not have her best friend by her to share her everyday news.

My message to them is that he is around, always guiding them with the same steadiness, humor and good heart he did when he was around on earth - perhaps even wiser now that he isn't bound by his earthly presence. I am sorry to miss his celebration of life later this month but Jeremiah and his family will be in my thoughts!

Beautifully written. Although I haven´t seen Jeremiah since we were kids, I will always remember his contagious smile and laugh. What a devastating loss for all those he was close to, and all the lives he was unable to touch. My thoughts are will his family, especially Sarah, who was my best friend when we were kids and whom I miss.

He was such a wonderful friend and neighbor. I´m especially thankful for our fascinating conversations, his amazing cooking and his openness to the world.