Jay Alan Cencius, 71, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 1, 2024. He was born on November 22, 1952 in Detroit, Michigan to Joyce (nee Holleman) and Joseph Cencius. Jay is survived by his three children Joel Cencius, Sarah (Steven) Schlueter, and Rebecca Adams; the mother of his children, Kathy Casey; siblings Joe (Karen) Cencius and Jo Ann (Larry) Kzinowek; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Jay is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and his nephew, Dennis.
Jay was born and raised in Michigan and spent most of his adult life in Milwaukee. He worked for more than 30 years as a Maintenance Supervisor at Luther Manor. Jay was a proud Navy Veteran having served for more than 20 years. He served in both the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. He worked in the kitchen as a cook on many of the ships he was stationed on. Jay loved to cook and bake - a passion of his that carried on throughout his life. Jay was hardworking and incredibly brave, having successfully beaten a stage four cancer diagnosis.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee followed by a Navy Burial at Sea. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to your favorite Veterans charity in honor of Jay.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com