Alfred “Brett” Cendana, 59, passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2020, with his loving wife at his side, following a five-year battle with cancer.
Brett was born March 25, 1961, in Memphis, Tenn., son of Graciano “June” Cendana and the late Elena (Hernandez) Cendana.
Brett worked as a sales manager at University Motors, a very fitting career for a man who had a passion for cars and trucks. He was grateful to be part of the “U Motors” team, commenting often that he was blessed to have wonderful colleagues who treated him with love and respect. Even when Brett became too ill to work, the U Motors family remained in touch and continued the kind of ongoing support that hallmarks the company’s compassion and care for others.
Brett’s true vocation was his absolute and steadfast dedication to family. He was a devoted husband, father, “Grampy,” brother and son. Brett always checked in with those he loved to make sure they were safe and well. Brett was a fierce patriot who flew the U.S. flag high on the family home and on the Toyota Tundra that he drove. He was genuinely grateful to live the American dream.
Brett enjoyed working out at the gym, playing pool, shooting at the range, watching Michael Jordan basketball games and taking long evening drives in his truck with Trish. He found joy in his travels, especially going with family to the beach where he could relax while reading a Stephen King novel, and listen to the peaceful sound of waves against the shore.
Brett’s battle with cancer was one of extraordinary courage and strength. His faith never wavered. He was a member of Suncrest United Methodist Church and always thankful that God gave him another day to be with his wife. Brett thought of only others throughout his illness and his primary concern was not for himself but for Trish, his caregiver and the love of his life, and for the grief his family would feel when he was gone. He was a rare and humble man of true integrity.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Trish” Cendana; his father, Graciano Cendana, of Charleston, W. Va.; children: Jessi (Darion) Jones, of Felton, Del., Maria (Marc) Unger, of Baltimore, Md., Christina (Chris) Batelli, of Charles Town, W.Va., Andrew Cendana, of Morgantown, and Stephanie Cook, of Morgantown; brothers: Jay (Melissa) Cendana, of Huntington, W.Va., Ray (Cory) Cendana, of San Francisco, Calif., and Michael (Toni) Cendana, of Dallas, TX; in-laws: Pauline Wilson, of Charleston, W.Va., Robert “Bob” (Joan) Shaver, of Morgantown, Joy Shaver, of Decatur, Ga., and Mark Shaver, of Morgantown; grandchildren: Jazlyn, Braxton, Marc, Beau, and Jeremiah; as well as many of the children’s family friends who called him Dad. Brett was preceded in death by his mother, Elena Cendana.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of WVU’s Ruby Memorial Hospital for providing Brett with great care and asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the WVU Cancer Institute.
A Celebration of Life will be held Aug. 1. Event details will be shared on the Hastings Funeral Home website.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
