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