John J. "Jack" Cenna III

John "Jack" Joseph Cenna III, age 75, passed away on December 6, 2025. Born on November 22, 1950, Jack grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Penn Hills High School in 1968.

Jack discovered his passion for percussion at a young age, beginning his early studies with Eugene "Babe" Fabrizi. His dedication and remarkable talent led him to study with some of the most respected teachers in the field, including John Beck at the Eastman School of Music, Jerry Carlos at the Curtis Institute of Music, and Stanley Leonard privately at Carnegie Mellon University.

Jack's professional musical journey began in Pittsburgh, where he performed with Dave Stock and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, performed for the Pittsburgh Symphony as first call extra percussionist for four seasons, and served for many years as the percussionist at the Holiday House in Monroeville playing with Randy Purcell. During his time in Pittsburgh, Jack was also the director of percussion studies at the University of Pittsburgh, all the while playing commercial music as a freelancer, specializing in drums. He was also a proud member of the Percussive Arts Society and the Pittsburgh Jazz Society. His life and career were greatly influenced by a long list of Pittsburgh based artists like Jack Purcell, Joe Negri, Frank Ostrowski, Ernie Matteo, Don Aliquo, Mary Lou Haugh, John Costa, Bobby Negri, Sandy Staley, Lenny Rogers, Randy Purcell, Bobby Boswell, Harold Betters, and John Wilson.

He later moved to Las Vegas, where he worked under Frank Sinatra's acclaimed bandleader, Vinnie Falcone. During his career, Jack performed with world-renowned entertainers such as Steve and Edyie Gormé, Pia Zadora, Cher, Dolly Parton, Wayne Newton, Sammy Davis Jr., and Don Rickles, among many others. His final Las Vegas performance was Sinatra: The Man and the Music.

Before retiring, Jack founded Tradewinds, a joyful and energetic steel drum band. He also performed in a marimba quartet and shared his love of music through teaching and craftsmanship. Jack was the owner of Kinder Mallets and a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians.

Jack is survived by his mother, Ila Cavanaugh; his sister, Dawn Douds; his former wife, Gini Cenna; his partner, Pamela Gordon; nephew, Justin (Mary) Douds; niece, Courtney (Matt) Douds; great nieces Juniper Fox, and Iris Douds; and great nephew, Garland Fox. He was preceded in death by his father, John J. Cenna Sr.

Jack will be remembered for his extraordinary musical prowess, his warmth, his dedication to his work, and the joy he brought to every stage he touched.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12th from 12 PM to the time of a service at 2 PM at D'Alessandro Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd., Butler and 46th sts., Lawreceville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Margaret Hospital ICU.