Joseph A. Cerenzia

Joseph A. Cerenzia, 69, of Canonsburg, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024, surrounded by his devoted family, who loved him deeply.    

On May 8, 1954, Joe was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; son of Philomena Aloia and Joseph M. Cerenzia.

He was a graduate of St. Patrick Grade School, Canon-McMillan High School, and the West Virginia University School of Journalism.

A deeply-rooted resident of Canonsburg, his was a life of selfless service in many ways.

Greatly moved by his faith in God, Joe’s heart was called to serve the Lord when he was humbly ordained as a Catholic Deacon in the Diocese of Pittsburgh on June 26, 1999.  Working at Immaculate Conception Parish and St. Patrick Parish (now St. Oscar Romero Parish) for many years, Joe was instrumental in the Parish and Pastoral Councils, Education Committee, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and was a Washington Hospital Chaplain. 

Retired from a decades long career in Public Relations at CONSOL Energy, Joe was an avid supporter of Washington County, having sat on the Washington County Chamber of Commerce Board, Comprehensive Planning Committee, Greenways Commission, and Southpointe CEO Association Board.  Joe’s support of the community extended to the Greene County Industrial Development Board, School-to-Work Partnership, and the Westmoreland Community College Advisory Council.

Despite all of these achievements, his greatest joy was his family, the center of his life.  Joe married his dear and precious wife, Lisa Mark, whom he adored, on February 15, 1986, who survives him. 

Continuing to cherish his memory are his four children: Eva Roman (Geoffrey Popovich), Adam Roman (Danielle), Kaitlin Kroll (Danny), and Mark Cerenzia (Laura Platzek).  Joe’s much loved niece and “third daughter” Hannah Coleman and her husband Matt selflessly cared for Joe in his final weeks of life, showering him with constant devotion. No one brought Joe more sincere happiness than his six grandchildren: Henry Roman Popovich, Gabriel Roman Popovich, Gemma Roman, Gia Roman, Nicholas Roman, and Siena Rose Kroll. 

Many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and dear friends will hold Joe close to their hearts forever.  He is preceded in death by his parents.           

Friends and family are welcome from 1:00pm—4:00pm, 6:00pm—8:00pm on Monday, March 11, 2024, for visitation at St. Patrick Church, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Bishop David Zubik at 10:00am on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at St. Patrick Church, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317. 

Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, c/o St. Oscar Romero Parish, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into the care of Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg (724) 745-8120.

To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph A. Cerenzia, please visit our floral store.