Dr. Walter J. LaCentra, a longtime college professor and author, passed away peacefully in Bradenton, FL, on July 24, 2026. Born Dec. 8, 1926, the only son of the late Domenic and Jennie LaCentra. He was predeceased by four sisters.
Walter is survived by his loving wife, Carole; his daughter, Maria LaCentra Van Warner, and son-in-law, Rick Van Warner; his stepdaughters, Kateri McCormick and son-in-law Steven Fraese, Lisa Meszaros, and Maria Nefsky and son-in-law, Norman Nefsky; four grandchildren and one great-grandson.
A native of Boston, Walter spent several years in Divine Word Seminary in the Chicago area, where he earned his first B.A. degree. He earned another B.A., his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Philosophy from St. John’s University in New York. Walter taught Theology and Philosophy at Queens College, St. John’s Prep, and Brooklyn Prep before accepting a position at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, N.Y., where he spent several decades before retiring. A voracious reader, he authored several books, including The Authentic Self: Toward a Philosophy of Personality, The Search for Intimacy, and Conquest of Freedom.
A parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Walter spent many memorable years serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Lecturer.
A memorial mass celebrating Walter’s life will be held at 1:00PM on August 3, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3100 26th St W, Bradenton, FL. 34205
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory,43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
