Dr. Louis John Centrella

Dr. Louis John Centrella, age 85, of Hockessin, DE, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on June 17, 1940, in Philadelphia, PA, Louis lived a life dedicated to service, family, and joy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Kathy, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and adventure. Together they raised three children: Louis and his wife, Peggy, Lori and her husband, Jeff, and Mark and his wife, Katie. He was the proud grandfather of Jillian, Nick, Maya, Jeffrey, Julia, Lauren, Leah, Siena, Amelia, and Marco, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy. Louis is also survived by his cherished siblings: his twin sister, Tedi; brother, John, and sister, Joan Marie.

Louis attended Villanova University and Jefferson Medical College, where he began a lifelong commitment to medicine. Following two years of service in the US Public Health Service, he established his family practice, where he cared for generations of patients over 42 years. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and served as president of the Delaware Medical Society, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community.

Beyond medicine, Louis embraced life fully. He enjoyed tennis, motorcycling, and boating, and especially treasured summers at the beach with family and friends. An avid traveler and socializer, he found joy in documenting life’s moments with his ever-present video camera. Above all, his greatest joy was time spent with his grandchildren – whether on the sidelines cheering them on or creating magical memories on trips to Disney World.

Louis’s life was a testament to devotion – to his family, his patients, and his community. His kindness, humor, and love will be forever remembered and deeply missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00pm on Monday, September 8, 2025 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707, where family and friends may visit from 9:45am – 11:45am. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, PO Box 97104, Washington DC 20090-7104 or to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.

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