Antonino "Tony" Cento
June 21, 1970 ~ May 5, 2021
Antonino “Tony” Cento, 50, Greenwood, passed away May 5, 2021. He was born in Indianapolis and graduated from Roncalli High School in 1988. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from IUPUI from the the Kelly School of Business.
Tony operated Cento Shoes in Indianapolis, a family business which has been a staple of downtown Indianapolis for over 50 years. He was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church. Tony enjoyed cooking for his family for all occasions; he was well known as the family “Grill Master”. Fishing was his favorite pastime, especially with his son Antonio. Tony enjoyed long conversations with his daughter Olivia. Tony had the gift of encouragement, humility, patience, loyalty, and lived life with peace and grace.
Tony is survived by his wife, Regina (Bova) Cento; mother, Lisa Cento; son, Antonio Cento; daughter, Olivia Delp; brother, Michael (Jennifer) Cento. Tony was a mentor to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Cento.
Visitation will held Monday, May 10, 2021, 4-8 p.m., at O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East St. Indianapolis, where morning prayers will be said at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 11, 2021. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Mark Catholic Church. Visit www.O’RileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry
The Downtown Indianapolis Community has organized a gofund me page for the Cento Shoe Family at https://gofund.me/2d442d5d
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Words cannot express our sadness to the Cento Family. Although we never met Tony, we’ve heard so much about him from his nephew, Paul, and our daughter, Noelle. He was so beloved! Please know that your family is in our constant prayers as you mourn your Son, Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, and Friend. Bernie and Beth Becker Newburgh, Ind.
Dear Cento Family I have had the pleasure of working directly across the street from Cento Shoes for a very long time. The store is truly a staple of downtown as was Tony Cento. Nothing beat walking in the store and seeing Tony’s smiling face. His passion for his work was infectious as was his desire to carry on the family legacy. I was very lucky to have known Tony. God bless the Cento family. Tom McGowan
Our thoughts and prayers are with you . We love you guys so much. Brian and Tracey Turk and Family
We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
I’m so very sorry for the whole Cento family. Tony was one of the good guys & will be sorely missed. My prayers are with your family.
I send my deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire Cento familia…Tony was and always be one of the greatest guys I’ve known…may God bless his son and entire Familia…RIP BROTHER!
To the Cento and Bova Family. Words cannot express our sorrow for your lost. We will continue to pray that Jesus helps you through this terrible time. ߙϰߙϰߙϰߙϰߙϰߙ
Gina and family… we are sending you love and light. Mike and Roni Kindley and Family
I have been praying for all of you! Tony had the most beautiful smile and kind heart. What a loss for everyone who was blessed to know Tony. May he rest in peace with our loving and understanding God….Bonnie Schott
My deepest condolences to Gina, Tony, Olivia, Mike, Mrs. Cento and all the family and friends of Tony Cento. I am praying for you during this difficult time and will continue for many days to come. Tony was a ray of light to all who knew him and I’m so deeply saddened by his passing.
We’ve know Tony for many years. He spent a lot of time at our home along with so many of our son Jim’s friends. This is so sad and he will be missed dearly. Condolences to Tony’s family. Rest in peace dear friend Terry and Betty Ledbetter
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
“Antonino Cento” brought so many gifts to our life. We will never forget him. With our deepest sympathy.
Lit a candle in memory of Antonino “Tony” Cento
Carissima zia, carissimo cigino Myke, ho appreso con il cuore affranto di questa tremenda tragedia. Non ho avuto la fortuna di conoscere Tony, purtroppo. Vi porgo le mie condoglianze di tutto cuore. Tony ci ha solo preceduto e ci attende attorniato dagli angeli, come angelo lui era per tutti noi. Che Dio vi benedica e vi assista sempre. Con profonda commozione, partecipazione, Rocco Cento
Tony was one of the nicest humans I have ever met. And one of the most humble business owners. I always loved interacting with him. He knew how to welcome you and make you feel important. May Gob bless and bring comfort to his family.
With deepest sympathy,
I went to school with Tony from third through fifth grades at Saint Mark, and he may well have been the nicest person I’ve ever known. I can only imagine the loss to his family and friends. We’ll keep you in our prayers.
We have such great memories of Tony, he always made others feel welcomed, accepted, and loved. I will never forget seeing the immense love and loyalty he showed for his family, and especially the pride he had for his son, Antonio. He will forever be missed. Paul and Nancy
My dearest cousin how we are going to miss you. I know you will be with your dad now. RIP Gentle Nino. Love Loretta
Nino I wanted to send some photographs from your wedding. U2 look so happy together I couldn’t stop snapping photos. As a matter fact I did it so much the people who were the wedding thought I was one of the professional photographers. We will miss you Tony. You’re such a great guy such a fantastic family man and inspiration to everyone who is lucky enough to have known you. I hope you’re enjoying your time with your dad. Please look out for us down here. We will meet you again one day. In the meantime,I want to remember you like this ❤️the happiest day of your life. Love your Cuz, Loretta
Tony, I remember all the great times we had in high school with Jody and Chris .
I am so sad to learn of Tony’s passing. He was such a wonderful person with a big heart. He loved his family and his family’s business. May his memory be eternal. Bill
Dear Lisa: My sincere condolences to you and the family on the loss of Tony. You are all in my prayers for Peace and comfort. May he rest in peace ! Rosie Saylor
Deepest condolences on the loss of Tony. I am so heart-stricken at Tony’s passing. Please accept my condolences on behalf of the Howlett family. Tony, you will be sorely missed.
Carissima zia e carissimi tutti mi stringo al vostro dolore.. Con amore.. Antonella Cento❤️
I was at Cento’s on Tuesday and spoke to Tony. I told him how much I missed being close to his store since I retired. He fixed my shoe while I waited. I even mentioned his store to friends on Friday, and they felt the same about him. Prayers for this sweet man.
To the Cento family and especially Mike our sincere condolences. I was Tony’s UPS man for over twenty years. It was a pleasure talking to Tony on almost a daily basis. His infectious smile was always there, and talking sports and reminiscing about our Catholic upbringing was always enjoyable. I’ve been retired for several years and was just thinking about stopping in the shop. I’m sorry I didn’t get the opportunity. Tony was as fine a person as you would ever meet. Jim and Mary Cook
You lit up everyone’s life when they met you. Rest in Peace my friend, you will be missed.
Tony was always kind and friendly to all of his customers who I am sure he considered friends. He had an international business that developed when they saw the shoes recrafted by Tony. When I went to Sweden and France they would give me shoes for Tony to recraft. I remember taking an entire large suitcase with Tony’s labor back to Sweden! Jim Robinson
Sitting in the chair, getting a shine and chatting with Tony was one of my favorite past times when I lived in Indy. We always discussed his plans and dreams and his eyes just lit up and he flashed that brilliant smile when he talked about his son and family. He was a ray of sunshine in my day. My heartfelt prayers to all family members. Rest in peace, Tony C.
Chatting with Tony and Snake while getting the best shine in town, not a service but cherished time with friends. At age 14, my son was in US Naval Sea Cadets and spent 9 days at Great Lake in boot camp where full Navy decorum was expected of these young people. I had Tony shine my son’s shoes for the camp. The Navy CPO accused my son of having patent leather, the shine was TOO good for the Navy to believe! Mark Smith.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lit a candle in memory of Antonino “Tony” Cento
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. We are here for you
My wife Judi and I adored Tony. He was so friendly, so warm, and so welcoming. Stopping in to pick up our shoes from Tony was not an errand, it was a pleasure. Our sympathies and prayers are with Tony’s family and friends.
Lit a candle in memory of Antonino “Tony” Cento
ߙ ߙ ߙ Going to the family of Mr Tony Centos will truly be missed been a customer of his for yrs really a nice guy and did excellent work on shoes just was down there about month and a half ago gettn some shoes fixed. So sorry to hear this Rip Mr Centos.
We appreciate all Tony years of service to the downtown area. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rita Proctor Barnes & Thornburg
To the family, I wanted you to know how sorry I was to read about Tony’s passing in the IBJ today. I was a long-time client of Cento’s because of Tony. Or as I liked to say, every single time I saw him, in my “loving Soprano’s voice”: “Hey Ton-eee!” which he chuckled at every time! I had it down where I could even in a rush, call him, and he’d come out to the curb and either do a pick up or a drop off for me. He was always a gentleman, kind, nice, funny and I know how hard he worked but never stopped plugging away even in tough times. I hope this is one of the many memories you all can enjoy knowing how Tony was beloved by so many and it was because he worked hard, was always pleasant and people just rooted for him because of it. Though he has died way too soon, enjoy a future of great memories as his smile and his spirit will always be there for all to remember. I’ll will always smile myself thinking about “Ton-eee!” He was my guy! We will miss him. Thank you for sharing him with the Indy Community downtown. He was iconic! Steve Appel Gregory & Appel Insurance
I don’t think Tony realized the impact he had on his customers. I LOVED taking our shoes there and having them totally redone. No one did a better job and no one had a better personality. He made everyone feel special and would remember his customers. We were all friends to him. I feel like one of the best people of our city has left us. What was not to like? Great man. I send my love and many hugs to his wife, children, and extended family. Becky Bechtel
Gina , Antonino, Olivia and the whole Cento family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My condolences to your family liked Tony very much he was a good man and will be missed. Ken Buckley
Just a few days ago I was in the shop, a customer, and had a very memorable interaction with Tony. I brought in 2 pairs of old shoes that don’t feel right any more. Figured they needed soles, but hadn’t really looked closely. He honestly admitted, very kindly, that he didn’t think he could do anything for them. He thought it was the shoes themselves. He did suggest an insole and let me try it. He didn’t try to push it, but I decided to take it. Then he noted I could use it in both pair. A very very honest and friendly man. It was a shock to see that he’s passed on to the next realm, where I’m sure he’ll be taking care of all of us. Blessings to the family on your loss, more difficult because of the suddenness of it. Dorothy Mack, a grateful customer of many years.
Tony has been my cobbler for many years as I walked through the door he always greeted me with a smile. If I had a few minutes he talked about his family with that big smile on his face, or knowing my background in Politics we would chat but I never knew his political affiliation. I have stopped by the business a few times lately to drop off an item for repair and to chat ,as a matter of fact I still have a voice mail left from Tony informing me I could pick up my purse. Tony was a good human being, now he is gone leaving many of his clients with memories that death can’t take away. May Eternal Rest be Granted to Him and May His Family find Peace in This Time of Sorrow. Cordelia Lewis-Burks
I was one of Tony’s “56” CYO football coaches in 1980. #70 played offense & defense. We have been neighbors with his Mom & Dad since 1977. Our family is shocked and saddened at Tony’s untimely passing and will miss him dearly. God bless & keep his family & provide them strength. Jack Knarr & family
I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful man who had compassion for all people. I got to know him thru his Dad , Paul Cento. They were an icon in downtown Indianapolis. I will miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
We will miss Tony greatly. It was such a pleasure to visit with him in the shop. He was an exceptional person of warmth and caring, also exceptional talent and skill. Downtown suffers another blow with the loss of Tony Cento. Bob and Alice Schloss
I met Mr. Cento at this shop. He was so knowledgeable, friendly and we discussed good leather in handbags. He ‘rehabbed’ my Coach bag to it’s beauty and looked like new. Cento’s has been an icon locally. Mr. Cento will be missed. I am so sorry to hear of his untimely passing. He will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to his family. Carol Cloud
I considered Tony a friend. There were many days when I would stop to have my boots shined at noon during a stressful day at work. Tony always uplifted my spirits. I own many hats that Tony always convinced me that I had to have. I will always think of him when I wear them. I always enjoyed talking about our Dad’s and the memories we had of them. Most recently my fiance’ and I had stopped to see him at the shop. He was so happy for us and our upcoming marriage. In his generous way, he insisted that my fiance’ pick out a scarf as a token of her visit to the shop. His infectious smile and personality will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Tony was more than just the face of Cento Shoes, he was a friend, and I’m so saddened to hear today about his passing. There was rarely a time I was in the shop where Tony and I didn’t immediately dive into a deeper-than-shoes conversation. He was a man of God who loved his family dearly and only wanted the best for them. He will be deeply missed. See you on the other side, brother…
Tony was like a cousin to me because of our shared Italian heritage and similar family shoe business/work ethic. He’s fixed many of my shoes since the late 1980s when I started working downtown near the Cento shoe store. Fond memories of him and his stellar service will remain with me. Tony’s family and friends have my deepest condolences. Praying for God’s peace to strengthen and comfort you through this difficult time…. Michele Oertel
Tony was a wonderful person. I began taking shoes to Centos for my former employer, Cathy Rooney (Golden Rule Insurance). Once acquainted with Central work, I began taking mine and my children’s shoes there also. We lived on the northwest side of Indy, but I didn’t mind the drive. Tony was always smiling when I walked in the door. I do remember his father coming out from the back occasionally. But, we would talk and I would leave my.shoes and return once again to his smiling face and friendly disposition. I know his brother will successfully continue in the name of his family. But, Tony will be missed. God bless him .
Thanking about you today buddy. May God’s love be with the cento family.
Tony Cento, I just found out you have passed on. My condolences. I am so grieved by this. I came in on many occasions to shop for my husband and my dad. I always enjoyed shopping at your store. I enjoyed the way you spoke highly of your beautiful wife. I will always miss you Tony. There will never be another shoe store like yours. I’m sending my blessings to your handsome brother and nephew that seems to be doing a great job maintaining the store in your place.
Sincerely,
Dee Dee R.