Donor Story
Dr. Stephen “Doc” Cenedella speaks of his late wife, Marie, with warmth, humor, and unmistakable affection. “Marie passed, but she’s still bossing me around — which is GREAT,” he laughs. “Best boss and only boss I will ever have.” That enduring love now lives on in the legacy they created together for Saint Patrick Parish in Franklin.
Doc’s life began in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, as one of eight children in a hardworking family. His father, a coal miner, modeled resilience — a quality Doc needed early. In 1952, before vaccines were available, he contracted polio. His parents drove two hours every day to Pittsburgh for treatment, instilling in him a deep appreciation for perseverance, family, and sacrifice. By fifth grade, Doc was working as a newspaper carrier and babysitter, and later lived with an aunt and uncle in Chicago, enabling him and his brother both attended college there — Doc at Loyola University and his brother at DePaul.
He met Marie in Virginia during medical school, and they eventually settled in Franklin. “I wanted to practice in a small town,” he said. “I grew up in Pennsylvania, they needed doctors, and I had school loans to pay.” What began as a practical decision grew into decades of shared life, rooted in faith, family, and service.
After Marie’s passing, Doc established the Cenedella Family Endowment through the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania to benefit Saint Patrick Parish, a community central to their lives. The endowment ensures that the generosity they shared during their lifetime will continue blessing the parish for generations.
Marie had a deep love for historical preservation. Her passion is reflected in the parish endowment. Grants from the fund have strengthened Saint Patrick in meaningful ways: contributing to the building fund, supporting the 2019 restoration of the parish’s 1937 Tellers organ, and making it possible to purchase new kitchen equipment for Cenedella Hall. “The sound of the renovated organ would be music to Marie’s ears,” Doc said.
Parish office manager Ronald W. Himes added his gratitude: “Thank you for taking care of our parish, as you have in the past.” Saint Patrick pastor Father James Campbell also shared, “The parish is very grateful and appreciative to the Cenedella Family as their ongoing support enables us to provide the youth and parishioners with updated facilities for programs, learning, and social gatherings.”
Thanks to careful stewardship by the Catholic Foundation, the endowment continues to grow while providing reliable annual grants. With four children happily married and living across four states, Doc cherishes knowing his parish family will also thrive long into the future. “I appreciate what you and your organization do,” he smiles, “to give the Cenedella family the ability to donate generously now and in perpetuity.”
“Thank you for giving the Cenedella family the ability to donate generously now and in perpetuity.”