Robert Michael Centoducati

Robert Michael Centoducati April 25, 1943 - November 13, 2010 Robert Michael Centoducati, 67, a high school teacher and coach for 30 years in the Dade County school system, and an avid fisherman and tennis player, died on November 13, 2010, at his home in St. Augustine, Florida. He had been receiving treatment for fourth stage metastatic melanoma. Bob had an outgoing and inquisitive personality that was well suited to his long career as a teacher, providing both inspiration and challenge to thousands of students during his years at Hialeah High School. He provided basic instruction in American government, history, and psychology, but it was his uniquely probing style, conducted in the finest Socratic tradition, that made him particularly memorable to his students, for he encouraged the shy, reinforced the unsure, and challenged all to develop their own sense of self. At school he served as a coach for track and cross country teams, and he also coached his sons for many years in Little League. Following his retirement from teaching, Bob and his wife, Becky, relocated to St. Augustine. He was a notably accomplished fisherman who generously shared portions of his catches with family and friends. In Miami, he was active with the Florida Sportsmen's Association. Bob was also highly active with an informal network of tennis players at Treaty Park, and he and Becky were regular participants in trivia contests held at local establishments. Bob was born on April 25, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. In l947, the family moved to Miami, Florida, where Bob graduated from Norland High School. After graduating from the University of Florida, he married Rebecca Bowden of St. Augustine and relocated to New York. Their first son, Benjamin, was born there in 1967, after which the Centoducatis returned to Florida and settled in South Dade County. Their second son, Andrew, was born in 1971. Bob is survived by his wife, Becky; his parents, Florence and John (Pembrooke Pines), his son, Benjamin (Nora) of Miami, and his younger son, Andrew (Casselberry). Bob's younger brothers, Michael and Patrick, preceded him in death. Other survivors include four sisters-in-law: Blanche Godwin, Marguerite Keller (Paul), and Sharon Bowden, all of St. Augustine; and Sara Brunger (Rob), Tallahassee. There are also two nieces: Katherine Batenhorst (Todd) of St. Augustine; and Chrissy LaMastus (Alan) of Cleveland, Mississippi. A memorial service is being held at St. Johns Family Funeral Home on Saturday, November 20, at 3:00 PM in St. Augustine. At the request of the family, memorial contributions may be made to the American Association for Cancer Research.