Obituary of Philip A. Centineo

Philip A. Centineo age 84 of Galloway Twp. Formerly of Waldwick, died peacefully in his own home surrounded by his family on Monday, September 3, 2018. Born and raised in Bensonhurst Brooklyn, NY, Phil attended Lafayette High School and continued his education at Brooklyn College where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering.  Phil also proudly served his country in the US Army.  He resided in Waldwick for 50 years before retiring to Galloway.

 Phil is survived by his loving wife Adele (Molino) of over 58 years, sons Philip and his wife Kara, Peter and his wife Jenny, and Paul and his wife Susan. He was a loving grandfather to Derek, Doria, Kacie, Philip, Devin, Anthony and Keanna. He is also survived by his brother Anthony, his beloved nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. Phil was predeceased by his brother Richard, sister Rosemarie, Mother Ida and Father Anthony.

 Phil’s competitive spirit was evident at an early age and his passion for sports rang true throughout his lifetime.  He was an outstanding basketball player in High School where he was named to the All NYC team.  He excelled in baseball and played in High School, College and the Military.  He played professional baseball in the Cleveland Indians organization for several years as well.  While raising a family, he enjoyed playing competitively in tennis and golf.  

Phil was dedicated throughout his career in construction management.  First with Turner Construction and then with Torcon, Inc.  The pinnacle of his career was leading the construction of The Bally Park Place Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City.  The project was built in record time and received numerous awards and recognized as a landmark project.  It was in 1979, that Phil was selected as one of the top five construction manager’s in the USA.  Phil also started his own company, the PAC Group, and proudly served as a construction consultant for the building of the New Yankee Stadium in 2006 and 2009.  He took his grandchildren to the stadium during that period and gave them an experience of a lifetime.  Being recognized as expert in his field, he became a member of the American Arbitration Association during his retirement.  He truly enjoyed doing mediation and arbitration and excelled at it for years. 

 Phil always felt that his greatest gift was his family.  He revered his wife Adele and they were inseparable ever since they met.  They enjoyed the beach, long drives and vacationing.  He is proud of his three sons and all of their achievements. He shared the joy of playing competitive sports and particularly baseball with his sons.  Phil’s life was a life well lived.  His favorite song was “My Way” and the song captures how he lived his life.   Phil is well known for his big heart, his forever smile and his sense of humor. He will be missed by all.

 The Centineo family will receive friends on Saturday, September 8, 2018, 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home (www.vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff,

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Phil’s name may be made to: St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept.142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.