Wayne "Chip" Centore

Wayne "Chip" Centore, 73, of Enfield - beloved husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather passed away suddenly on Thursday, October 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford on January 3, 1952, he was the son of the late Nello and Ethel Centore. Chip grew up in Enfield, where he made his lifelong home. He graduated from Enfield High School in 1971 and went on to attend Prince Tech, earning his Electrical License. For the past 13 years of his career, he was a dedicated employee of Deming Electric, retiring with the respect and admiration of coworkers and friends. Known for always giving 110% in everything he did, Chip's work ethic was unmatched. A true "man of all trades," Chip had remarkable knowledge of electricity, cars, plumbing, and just about anything that needed fixing. If he didn't know how to do something, he would study until he figured it out. Family, friends, and neighbors all knew that if there was a problem, Chip was the one to call. He had the biggest heart and was always ready to lend a hand. Chip was also a lifelong sports fan, proudly cheering for the Yankees, the Giants, and UCONN women's basketball. No matter how busy life got, he made sure to attend all of his grandchildren's sporting events, treating each game with equal importance. Another passion of Chip's was cars. Over the years, he owned several 1957 Chevys, racing them at Lebanon Valley, and more recently, he enjoyed working on his 1968 Camaro. He loved tinkering in his garage and basement, where he was always inventing, creating, or improving projects, many of which could have earned patents. Above all else, Chip treasured time with his wife, Janet, whom he affectionately called "Red." They met in 1971 when Janet was running across the Enfield High parking lot. From that moment, Chip was determined to make her his wife, and the two have been inseparable ever since. They shared countless adventures together, including annual anniversary trips to Maine, Sunday breakfasts where Chip always ordered the same meal, and spontaneous animal rescues for which they both had a deep passion. Chip loved being a father and grandfather most of all. He took great pride in his three daughters, watching them build families and establish lifestyles rooted in values he instilled; hard work, honesty, and strength. His greatest joy came from time spent with his grandchildren and "fur babies," who filled his heart and kept him endlessly busy. Chip is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Janet, and his loyal fur companions Lexi and Bailey; his daughters, Sarah Centore of South Carolina (and her dog Willow), Rachele Centore of Enfield, and Shawna Fisher and her husband Jay of Ellington; and his five cherished grandchildren, Ava and Kendall Deprey, Camryn, Michayla, and Harper Fisher. He also leaves behind his brothers, Rick Centore and his wife Lynne of Suffield, and Tom Centore and his wife Donna of South Carolina; his sister, Judy Stephens of Enfield; his stepmother, Jean (Sayles) Centore; step-sister Susan Sayles; step-brother David Sayles; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Joanne and her late husband Norman Beaulieu, Barbara and Richard Earley, all of Enfield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, coworkers, and friends who will deeply miss him. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Jeff Stephens and his step-brother, John Sayles. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, October 7, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to thank Enfield EMT's for their quick response and effortless attempt to keep him breathing and to the nurses and doctors at St Francis Hospital for their care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chip's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), an animal shelter of the donor's choice, or any wildlife rescue organization. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.