John Forbes Cenedella, son of Gerri and the late Philip Cenedella of Fredonia, passed away in Paris, France on October 17 at the age of 50.
He is survived by closest friend Laetitia Cenedella; son Alexandre Phillippe Cenedella; his mother Gerri Forbes Cenedella; brothers Philip Cenedella, Marc Cenedella (Angela), and Matthew Cenedella (Julie); nieces and nephews Philip, Jude, Carly, Kanaley, Dorothy, Elizabeth, Aurelia, and Izaac; and his many Forbes and Cenedella aunts, uncles, and cousins.
John was a loving, caring, charismatic and giving person, whose generous spirit made everyone around him feel appreciated and loved. He had a great sense of humor and an Irish twinkle in his eye that will wink at us from his photographs forever.
John's friends spanned the globe from his work as a finance executive in Hong Kong, London, New York and Paris. An avid scuba diver, he loved far-flung waters and, especially, sharks. He loved being competitive at any sport, especially swimming the butterfly and playing soccer. Cigars were one of his favorite passions. He will always be rooting for Notre Dame football.
Born on December 22, 1963 in Dunkirk, NY, John was preceded in death by his father, Philip J. Cenedella, and a brother, Luke Cenedella. He was a 1986 graduate of Boston University, and cherished his years at St. Francis High School as the best of his life.
A memorial Mass in his honor will be celebrated by the Rev. Joe Zalacca, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Dunkirk, the Rev. Ray Donohue, pastor of St. Mary's of the Woods, and the Rev. Michael Sajda, president of St. Francis High School, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Dunkirk. A memorial Mass was held in Paris on Friday, October 24.
By the Observer
