HR397 - In memory of John "J. D." Centilli of Waxahachie.

      H.R. No. 397       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to   a close with the passing of John Centilli of Waxahachie on   November 7, 2024, at the age of 95; and          WHEREAS, The son of F. L. and Mary Centilli, "J. D." Centilli   was born in Del Rio on October 31, 1929, and he grew up with the   companionship of six siblings, Florine, Bill, Junior, Frank,   Gerald, and Pat; a talented athlete, he ran track and played   football and basketball in high school, and while attending Texas   A&M University, he was a member of the Aggie football team; after   earning his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1952, he   served for two years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, receiving   the National Defense Service Medal; and          WHEREAS, Following his tenure in the military, Mr. Centilli   returned to Texas A&M to obtain his master's degree in education;   while there, he met the love of his life, the former Pauline   Malazzo; the couple married on June 18, 1960, and they became the   proud parents of three sons, Doug, Jeff, and Greg; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Centilli enjoyed a long and rewarding career as   an educator, coach, and administrator; as a high school football   coach, his teams won multiple district championships and advanced   to the state finals; he ultimately became the assistant   superintendent of schools for the Waxahachie Independent School   District, where he retired in 1991; among his numerous accolades,   he was inducted into the Coastal Bend Coaches Association Hall of   Honor in 2000; and          WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Centilli was a member   of the Knights of Columbus and president of the Waxahachie Lions   Club; he took pleasure in spending time on his land, tending to his   peach orchard, welding, and woodworking; a man of faith, he was a   longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church; and          WHEREAS, While the passing of J. D. Centilli brings great   sadness to his family and friends, he leaves behind a legacy that   will long be treasured by all those who held him dear; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of John Centilli and that   sincere condolences be extended to the members of his family: to his   wife, Pauline Centilli; to his sons, Doug, Jeff, and Greg Centilli;   to his brother, Pat Centilli, and his wife, Martha; and to his other   relatives and friends; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of   Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of J. D.   Centilli.     Ashby     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 397 was unanimously adopted by a   rising vote of the House on March 13, 2025.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House