Mr. Richard L. Serra, Sr., 78, of Aiken, SC, died on January 24, 2010 at his residence.
A son of the late R. Leo Serra and Hazel (Mollineaux) Serra, he was born on July 1, 1931, in New Bedford, MA and had lived in Punta Gorda, FL before moving to Aiken in 2007.
Mr. Serra was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and was a lifetime member of the Disabled Veterans of America. He served for fourteen years with the Newark, NJ Police Department, before joining the International Union of Operating Engineers. Local #825, Newark, NJ.He was an accomplished stained glass artist and his love of his work will live on in his stained glass forever as will the volumes of poetry he wrote. A former member of the Knights of Columbus, he was at one time, the youngest fourth degree knight in the state of NJ.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Lau), Serra, Aiken, SC, and his beloved children; son; Richard (Darleen) Serra, Jr., Bloomfield, NJ and two daughters; Renee Serra Pindar (James), Punta Gorda, FL, and Roberta Serra Fortier, Bloomfield, NJ, a stepson; Roger Donnelly, Aiken, SC, two brothers; Robert Serra (Dolores), Ft. Myers, FL and Allen Serra (Lori), Millrift, PA, and a sister; Eileen Risoli, Belleville, NJ. He is also survived by four grandchildren, three great grandchildren and ten nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.South Carolina Cremation & Burial Society is assisting the family. Memorial donations may be directed to The American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004 or the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
Entry: Dad,
I am so sad that you are not physically here anymore but you will always be here in spirit and in memory. I know you are watching over us and are enjoying your painless life on the other side. We will all miss you terribly. Love, Darleen
Entry: Dear Barbara,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss; our thoughts ae with you and your family during this difficult time.
Date: Jan 27, 2010
Name: Christina Serra
Entry: Grandpa, May you rest in everlasting peace. We will miss you more than words can say every single day. Your light will always shine through the three wonderful children that you raised. I know you are in heaven smiling down on all of us. I love you always, hope you're showing Jesus how to make beautiful stained glass. Til the day we meet again, in my heart is where I'll keep you. Love always and forever, Christina.
Date: Jan 27, 2010
Name: Anna & Danielle Deribin
Entry: His life was only courage, his belief was strong to win the battle. His faith could never be damaged, the courage he gave to us all. His journey was coming to the end, but his love will always be there. His battle is finished but he won, because now is with the Lord. He will always be in our hearts.
Barbara & family, words cannot express how deeply we are sorry for your loss. Always remember the wonderful loving times you had with Richard, for it is the memories that keep the spirit and love alive. In our thoughts and prayers always.
Date: Jan 27, 2010
Name: Eileen Risoli
Entry: To my dearest brother Rich,
I was so lucky to be blessed with a wonderful family. Being my big brother you were always there to protect me. I can't thank you enough for everything you ever did for me and for loving me so deeply as I do you. You will be very much missed and never forgotten and in my prayers and heart forever. Until I see you again, hugs and kisses, your loving sister Eileen.
Date: Jan 27, 2010
Name: Eileen Risoli
Entry: To my dearest brother Rich,
I was so lucky to be blessed with a wonderful family. Being my big brother you were always there to protect me. I can't thank you enough for everything you ever did for me and for loving me so deeply as I do you. You will be very much missed and never forgotten and in my prayers and heart forever. Until I see you again, hugs and kisses, your loving sister Eileen.
Entry: dear dad I miss you so much you were my rock. I am so happy you are no longer in pain or suffering. I will be waiting in great anticipation for the day that we will be together again in heaven. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. YOUR LOVING SON Richard.
Entry: My deepest sympathy goes out to the Serra family. My you all find peace in this time of sorrow. And God Bless you Richard, may you rest in peace.
Love
The Willis Family
Entry: Dad i miss you and i love you more than words can say.I know that i will see you again someday,you don't half to suffer anymore you are in a much better place now.
R.I.P.DAD 1-24-2010
