Col. Joseph J. Centofanti, U.S. Air Force ret., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. He was born Oct. 17, 1935.

In loving memory of a beloved husband, father and grandfather and our best friend, Joe will be missed by all. Survivors include sons Joseph III and Stephen; and daughter Christin, son-in-law John and grandson Jonathon. He was a loving and devoted son to his mother.

Joe was known to be the kindest, sweetest, most loving and most giving person to all. He always brought his beautiful smile to everyone. Joe helped many through his enthusiastic and energetic efforts. Everyone who knew Joe loved him.

Joe graduated from Manhattan College with a B.S. in electrical engineering, and with an M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado.

Col. Centofanti had a distinguished Air Force career of 28 years. After retirement, he continued to serve his country in the defense electronics industry.

Services: A remembrance memorial service will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Farley Funeral Home, 265 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice. A Funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1301 Center Road, Venice., with a reception to follow at Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club, 499, Derbyshire Road, Venice. Interment will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, in Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 East Clark Road, Sarasota

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to American Heart Association, 7272 Grenville Ave., Dallas TX 75231.