Richard Cenedella

On Wednesday, December 31st, Richard Cenedella, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in Denver, Colorado. He was 86 years old.

Born to Josephine and Joseph Cenedella of Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Richard graduated from Mount Lebanon High School, where he fostered his passion for science and the outdoors and played varsity football as a lineman.

He went on to graduate from Penn State University, where he studied biochemistry, played one year of college football, and met his wife of 58 years, Andrea. They were married in 1964. After earning his PhD in biochemistry at Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, they moved to West Virginia and started their family, welcoming three children: David, Laura, and Susan. In 1976, they moved to Kirksville, Missouri, where Richard became Chairman of the Biochemistry Department at A.T. Still University.

At A.T. Still University, Richard investigated the molecular mechanisms of cataract formation, among other research topics. Throughout his distinguished teaching and research career, he received 35 years of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant support, published more than 110 research papers, and was the first person at A.T. Still to be named a Fulbright Scholar. Dr. Cenedella inspired an entire generation of students and faculty and was honored with the alumni association’s Living Tribute Award. He retired in 2009 as Professor Emeritus.

Richard and Andrea retired to Isle of Palms, South Carolina, where they enjoyed the beach and hosted their much-loved children and grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Many special memories were made surf fishing for sharks along the shore.

Richard was a passionate outdoorsman who enjoyed big game hunting in Missouri, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming, harvesting deer, elk, and antelope. His greatest joy came from fostering and sharing these life experiences with his family. When his children were young, he loved traveling with them and broadening their experiences of the world together. Richard remained a devoted football fan throughout his life, and he and Andrea were enthusiastic Steelers fans.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Andrea; his parents; and his brother, Raymond. He is survived by his son, David (Anne) Cenedella and their children, Joseph, Nicholas, and Louis; his daughter, Laura (Gene) Hugunin and her children, Taylor (Aubrey) Schoenekase, Kendall Schoenekase, and Madison (Patrick) McAnulty; and his daughter, Susan (Jim) Sherrow and their children, Ashley (Alex) Dwyer, Sabrina Sherrow, and Michelle Sherrow; as well as two great-grandchildren and his sister, Arlene Cenedella.

Memorial Service will be held on May 16, 2026 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Derby, Kansas. He will be laid to rest with Andrea in South Carolina.

All will miss his passionate curiosity, devotion to family, and wonderful sense of humor.