Louis Cencič

Louis Cencič, age 94, beloved husband for 58 years of Anita (nee Peric); loving father of Linda Boehm (husband Ricky, deceased) and Sonia Cencič (husband Steve Zaller); devoted grandfather of Gabriella, Christina and Nicholas Boehm; cherished son of the late Ivan and Avguština (nee Filipič); dearest brother of Adolf and the late Joe, Janko, Marija, Milka, Mario and Vid; dear uncle and great-uncle of many; died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 31, 2022.

Louis was born in Robidišče, Slovenia on December 27, 1928. Louis immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1956 with only his suitcase and hope for a better life.

Louis had a very happy disposition. He often hummed and sang his favorite tunes, changing the words to suit the circumstance or occasion. He enjoyed dancing, especially with his wife Anita. He took pride in his lawn, meticulously cutting and edging every inch to his satisfaction. He made homemade wine and dried his own prosciutto. Anita’s lasagna was his favorite, and each evening meal had to end with cheese and fruit. He was also fond of “balincati” (playing bocce). His travels to visit family in Slovenia and Peru were among his most treasured memories. Louis was kind, caring, hardworking, joyful, engaging, fun and funny. He was devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. Family brought him the most happiness.

Louis worked as a specialist in machine operating at Cleveland Twist Drill and retired in 1990 after 33 years of service. He took pride in being a provider for his family and rarely missed a day of work.

Louis valued his friendships in the Slovenian community. He enjoyed attending Mass at St. Mary’s, where he and Anita were married. He spent his free time going to picnics, dinner dances and on bus trips with various Slovenian groups. He and Anita spoke Slovenian at home, encouraging Linda and Sonia to continue family traditions and embrace Slovenian culture. Louis was also one of the original founding members of the Slovenski Ameriški Primorski Klub in Cleveland.

Louis believed that family, friends and good health are the greatest riches in life. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Pogrešali ga bojo vsi ki so ga poznali. V srcih vedno z nami bo ostal.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Louis at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) on THURSDAY, January 5, 2023 from 4 – 7 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on FRIDAY, January 6, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 15519 Holmes Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110. Burial immediately following Mass at All Souls Cemetery.