Richard Centala

Richard was born in Alpena on Oct. 7, 1957, to Thomas and Joanne (Sabourin) Centala. He graduated from Alpena High School and went on to earn a degree from Ferris State University in biochemistry. He moved to Dallas where he began a 45-year career in sales in the dental industry, developing many friendships as well as a passion for diagnostic imaging. While coaching the girls’ softball team at EDS, he met and married Lisa Gibbons on April 19, 1986.

Richard thrived as a provider. He was an avid cook and enthusiastic host, always eager to gather friends and family around a home-cooked meal. He mastered the art of Polish and Southern cooking and made sure no one ever left his house hungry. His fried fish, legendary spaghetti sauce, and perfectly cooked steaks became family staples and fond memories. Above all else, Richard was a devoted father to his daughters, Avery and Anna, and a doting husband to Lisa. Being a “girl dad” was one of his greatest joys, and he embraced it with pride, patience, and plenty of laughter. He was always in the background supporting his girls, whether it was soccer practice, late night theater dress rehearsals, or spending a day at the lake.

Although Texas became his adopted home state, he never lost his connection to Michigan. Even 1,300 miles away, he excelled at caring for his parents and ensuring his daughters maintained strong relationships with their Michigan family. He always made sure they got in a good round of putt putt, a heaping plate of kluski, and an afternoon building elaborate sandcastles on the beach–all before hitting up the local guitar shop.

Richard will be remembered for his generosity, his silliness, his cooking, and most of all for the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the countless meals shared, the jokes told, the lessons taught, and the love he gave so freely to all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, Lisa; two daughters, Avery Centala and Anna (Toni Richardson) Centala; father, Thomas Centala; brother, Robert (Nancy) Centala; cousins Michael (Mary) Centala, Julie (Andres) Uribe, Karanina (Christopher) Germony, Kristen (Patrick) Isaacs, Susan (Sean O’Brien) Szczukowski; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Joanne Centala.

Memorial visitation will take place at the Bannan Funeral Home on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon with Rev. Aloysius Okpala officiating. A memorial service will also take place in Dallas at a later date.

Inurnment: Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas