Anthony "Tony" Cento

Anthony “Tony” Cento, age 88, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on August 7, 1936, in Roccaforte del Greco, Italy, to the late Giovanni and Fiorentina (Giordano) Cento.  He married the love of his life, Kathryn (Wurz) Cento, in 1967 in Indianapolis; they met while dancing, something they both enjoyed.

At 18, Tony emigrated with his mother and siblings from Italy to the U.S. and supported his family as they got established.  He was a plaster and stucco journeyman when he arrived in the U.S. and taught Ball Room Dancing, which is where he met Kathryn.  He and his best friend, Chico Quiroz, started a pizza and taco stand at the City Market; he kept the pizza stand, Grand Prix Pizza, going on for 25 years.  Tony went on to open an Italian Restaurante called Salute on the eastside of Indianapolis where he fed everyone as though they were part of his family, some even helping in the kitchen doing dishes.  

Tony loved to travel, especially out west with his wife, Kathryn. He enjoyed seeing the mountains as it reminded him of his beloved home in Italy. Tony liked to garden and was especially fond of his fig and chestnut trees. He loved taking his grandchildren to the State Fair each year and got excited when he met someone he could converse with in his native Italian language.  He will be remembered most as a strong man with an enterprising spirit who deeply loved his family.

Survivors include his daughter, Tina (Jayson) Gilbert; son, John Cento; brother, Mario (Mitch) Cento; sisters, Lena Sharp and Carmela Morrison; grandchildren, Brittany (Dirk) Ratcliff, Jordan (Johnny) Greenberg, Stepanie Cento and adopted grandson, Joey (Melanie) Garcia; five great-grandchildren, and 24 nieces and nephews, both in the U.S. and Italy.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryn Cento; parents, Giovanni and Fiorentina Cento; and brother, Giuseppe Cento. 

Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, July 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services, 1458 S. Meridian St., with a time for remarks and the rosary starting at 7:30 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 9 at 11 a.m. in Holy Name Catholic Church, 89 N. 17th St., Beech Grove, with Fr. Isaac Siefker presiding.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been suggested to Holy Name Catholic School, 21 N. 17th Ave., Beech Grove, IN 46107. 

To share an online condolence with the family, please visit www.LauckFuneralHome.com          

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