Today I would like to take a few moments to remember Frank Cenna. Frank recently died, April 5, 2023, at age 69. I know Frank because he and I went to grade school together. We attended and graduated from St. Joseph Grade School is Port Vue, PA. Frank and I were from different parts of Port Vue, so I would not say we were best friends. But we were part of the 1968 8th Grade graduating class of St. Joe's and had been together for 8 years. Frank and I played on the 7th and 8th grade basketball team at St. Joe's and if I remember right Frank was a much better player than I. We traversed the eight years of grade school together, sometimes in the same groups and activities and sometime going in different directions.
I have not seen Frank since June of 1968, some 55 years ago, when we graduated from grade school. Frank and I would have gone to Serra Catholic High School together but in the fall of 1968 my family moved away from Port Vue, first to Harrisburg for a year and then on to Buck's County just outside of Philadelphia. I returned to Port Vue a few times since then for short visits but never ran into Frank. However, over the past few of years thanks for Facebook, I was able to reconnect with Frank through his sister Jocelyn. It was during this time that I learned that Frank had been living with TSC (Tuberous Sclerosis Complex). TSC is a rare genetic disorder. A lifelong chronic condition with no cure at least at the moment. Frank not only lived with TSC but worked mightily as an ambassador for finding a cure. I had hoped to visit Frank, but life got in the way, or should I say, "Well there is always tomorrow!" and then I ran out of tomorrows! Procrastination that often comes with a busy life can be our worst enemy or at least it is mine. As I said Frank and I were never the best of friends but connecting with someone even over Facebook from our youthful years is often lifegiving. Over the last few years, I have enjoyed reading about Frank and his living life to the fullest. He has been an inspiration and a member of my daily prayer list! In reading his obituary I found it interesting that Frank was an English major in college. In my memory of our time together I would not have thought of Frank as an English major, though he probably would not have thought of me as a Social Work major or a priest! It is interesting how lives are lived. I wish I could attend his funeral mass this coming Friday April 14th, but again the busyness of life and my own responsibilities will not allow me to do so. Later this morning I will celebrate mass in Frank's memory. Just my little way of honoring his life and the connection we shared at St. Joe's many, many, many years ago. I will pray also for Frank's family and friends who morn his loss. I pray that his funeral and all who gather for will truly celebrate the gift his life was and continues to be in our memory. As I close my little reflection in honor of Frank, I would just say that I am sure that when Frank took his last breath in this life and met God face to face - God simply said, "Well done Frank, good and faithful servant come share my eternal joy!"
6 Comments
Melissa Cenna Edmundson
4/17/2023 12:58:15 pm
From Frank's youngest sister Missy, Thanks to You and all for your comforting kind words and prayers.
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Jocelyn Cenna
4/17/2023 02:01:46 pm
Fr Paul
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Kristy Cenna-Mathieson
4/17/2023 02:23:21 pm
Father Paul,
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Richard Mondak
4/17/2023 04:15:26 pm
I also knew Frank from Port Vue and St Joseph's CYO (I attended Holy Trinity in McKeesport, which you could easily see from the parking lot at St Joe's). Frank was one of our "gang" if you will and we had many adventures and a few misadventures together.
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Ritza Dulchinos
4/18/2023 04:06:11 am
Beautiful tribute to Frank Father Paul.
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Forrest Litvin-Hall
4/18/2023 07:44:05 am
Father Paul,
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
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