Obituary of James R. Cennerazzo

James R. Cennerazzo, 89, of Woburn, MA, passed away on February 4 peacefully in his sleep. James (Jim) was born on July 30, 1934, to Carmine A. Cennerazzo and Giovannina (Caropresso) Cennerazzo in Woburn. Jim was the youngest of 5 children as part of a close knit Italian family. Jim attended Woburn High School and then went on to graduate from Somerville Vocational in 1952. In 1953, Jim married Elaine (Tody) McDonough in St. Charles Church. Jim and Tody had a love for dancing. They recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. Jim and Tody raised their 3 loving daughters in North Woburn. Jim was a respected and admired businessman in the city of Woburn. Jim worked in the auto body industry before opening his own business, Jim’s Auto Body in 1962. He was known for his auto work on fiberglass corvettes. In 1976, he opened the first tennis club in town, Woburn Racquet Club, which became a popular fixture in the community. As a real estate developer, he transformed parts of North Woburn by constructing new neighborhoods and subdivisions such as Northwoods and Earl Stokes Drive. Jim had a wide social network and was an active member of Bear Hill Country Club in Stoneham, Woburn Sons of Italy, and the Woburn Kiwanis Club where he served as President. He made many contributions over the years as an entrepreneur and community leader in the city he loved. Jim had a very competitive spirit which he often displayed out on the tennis court, golf course, or bocce pit. He loved passing on his enthusiasm for sports to his grandchildren, always making time to teach them tennis, golf, and bocce. An avid Boston sports fan, Jim loved watching the Red Sox and Bruins, and would devote most mornings to reading about his beloved teams in the newspaper, analyzing the games over breakfast. Whether he was on the court or the couch, sports were a lifelong passion for James and a way for him to connect with family. Although living in Woburn all his life, Jim and his beloved wife Tody enjoyed experiencing new places and cultures. They spent many winters in Vero Beach, Florida, and summers in Gloucester, Massachusetts, frequently bringing along family to share in the trips. Some of their fondest travel memories were from the times they brought their children and grandchildren to Italy and Bermuda. Jim and Tody traveled extensively with family and friends to destinations including Alaska, the British Isles, Spain, Greece, Germany, Russia, Morocco, and Switzerland. Sharing these adventures around the world created wonderful memories and bonded them closer with their loved ones. Along with their love of traveling and seeing new places, Jim always looked forward to returning home to spend time with their close friends in Woburn and Vero. Jim cherished time spent with family, never missing his grandchildren's games or dance recitals and hosting large extended family reunions in Gloucester where he could surround himself with loved ones. He supported his children, grandchildren, brothers, sister, nephews and nieces in countless ways over the years. He was stubborn and a force of nature. We loved him for his playfulness and for making us laugh. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Tody, and 3 daughters, Jayne Tracy (Dalton Steer) of Venice FL, Sandra and Phil Petschek of Chelmsford MA, and Robin and Rick Cooney of Woburn MA. James was a devoted grandfather to his 5 grandchildren, Amanda Tracy (Joe Pimentel) and Sarah Tracy (Mal Soffin), Eva Petschek, and Shannon and James Cooney. Jim is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Luigi, Augustino, John, and his sister Cecelia. He is fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd., Woburn on Thursday, February 8 from 4:00-7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 9 at 11:00 am, with an hour of visitation prior from 10:00-11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Woodbrook Cemetery in Woburn. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Woburn Council of Social Concern’s Food Pantry, 2 Merrimac St., Woburn, MA 01801 (www.socialconcern.org)