David Joseph Cencula

David (Dave) J. Cencula, age 82, of Fairport Harbor, OH. passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025 following complications from a stroke. Dave was born on March 11, 1943 in St. Clairsville, OH to parents Joseph Albert Cencula and Rosa (Rose) Marie Cencula. Dave graduated from St. Joseph High School, Cleveland, OH. and on February 15th, 1967 Dave married his love, Nancy L. Arndt, in Niagara Falls. Dave attended Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, OH; AG Aviation Academy, Minden, NV; and earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, Franklin University, Columbus, OH. Dave served our country from 8/31/1961 - 8/30/1965 in the U.S. Navy as a jet engine mechanic, ADJ2 (E-5). After receiving an honorable discharge he made aviation his career. He flight instructed at Sundorf Aviation, Cleveland, OH; was a pilot with SMB (Sedalia-Marshall-Booneville) Stage Lines where he was based out of San Angelo, TX, South Bend, IN, Sheldon, IA, and Columbus, OH. Subsequently, Dave served as Chief Pilot for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Columbus, OH. After a brief time as a pilot for the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Columbus, OH he accepted employment at American Airlines where he held flight crew positions of Flight Engineer on Boeing 727, First Officer on McDonnell-Douglas Super-80, First Officer on Boeing 757/767, and Captain on McDonnell-Douglas Super-80. From his first flight on 7/26/1966, to his first solo on 11/26/1966, to his final professional flight on 9/28/2002, Dave earned multiple ratings including; Single Engine Land, Commercial, CFI, IFR, AGI, MEL, CFII, ATR MEL, Rotorcraft, and Flight Engineer, turbojet. Dave flew roughly 50 different aircraft from Piper J-3 Cubs to B-767 wide body airliners, accumulating well over 20,000 hours of flight time. Amongst many other students, Dave proudly taught both of his sons to fly. In his free time, Dave was an avid woodworker and built numerous pieces from cutting boards to birdhouses and garden boxes to fine furniture. Many homes, gardens, and yards are adorned with the creative works he made in his shop. Dave was a friend of the environment, loving the outdoors and nature all his life. He and his family traveled to many local, state, and national parks. He loved the Redwoods and was an ardent supporter of the Save the Redwoods League. Dave was also passionate about advocating for fairness, equality, and compassion in politics and culture. Dave is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Arndt) Cencula, his children, Christopher Cencula (Karen Rubi) and Michael Cencula (Kerin Davis), his siblings, Michael Cencula (Shirley McDonough) and Ellen Cencula (Paul McNeil). He is predeceased in death by his parents Joseph and Rose Cencula and his sister Joann Cencula. Per Dave's wishes, there will be no funeral, visitation, nor memorial service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: Save the Redwoods League, 111 Sutter St., 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104. The family would like to express their gratitude for the kindness and skilled care provided by the staff at University Hospital, Cleveland. In particular, Jillian Misenko, RN, Dr. Wei Xiong, MD, and Dr. Alexander Lewis, DO. Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services assisted the family with arrangements, 29801 Lakeland Blvd., Wickliffe, OH, 44092. 440-361-2273. www.lakeeriecrematory.com

David Joseph Cencula

March 11, 1943 - June 23, 2025