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James Serpe Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Serpe
Robert Foley '52
April 11, 2021
By far the most skilled teacher I had in high school. Handsome, dressed and smiling topped off with that charming lisp- "Judas Priest, Foley!"
I think of him often.
Steve Janowski
February 11, 2020
R.I.P. I never actually had him as a teacher in a class, but I certainly remember his kind face and just a nice all-around guy walking through the halls of Loyola Academy. A real TEACHER'S TEACHER!! What a great life. "Eternal rest grant to him, oh, Lord. And may perpetual light shine upon him." - Rambler 1985
sandra burrows
September 18, 2014
dear Jerry to you and your family I am sending my sincere condolences, I loved your father very much .He was very kind to me and I will never forget the family s dinner we had together. All my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Sandra
Jennifer Bochenek (James Loizzo's Granddaughter)
March 7, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Bob Stack
March 3, 2014
I am sorry for your loss, family and friends of Mr. Serpe. He substituted in my math class a few times, and he was full energy with us every time he taught. May he be in everlasting life with God, and may you find peace in your loss. Bob Stack, '70-71
Brian Selke
February 28, 2014
Dearest Serpe family, my deepest condolences for your loss. I feel like the world has lost a great man, but heaven's classrooms just gained the best teacher in the history of everything. He is an inspiration to all and a glaring example of how one can truly love what they do and make a living out of it. He will be missed, but he will forever be part of those fortunate to have known him. RIP, Mr. Serpe.
February 28, 2014
Mr. Serpe was an exceptional algebra teacher. His motivation drove you to succeed. He had a great sense of humor to get you through the lessons. He was not only my algebra teacher but also my homeroom teacher. He always encouraged you to give money to the missions. I will always remember his one daily prayer request and that was, “Let's also pray for all those that died today and don't have anyone to remember them.” Mr. Serpe, Loyola Academy alumni past and present will always remember you.
Gregory J. Maurice '87
February 27, 2014
A man with great family values, work ethic, and a great sense of humor has been lost. His smile and laughter was highly contagious and will me missed. The world has lost a man whose presence touched so many.
Our deepest sympathy to the family,
George and Kathy Bratsakis
Michael O'Mara
February 27, 2014
Mr. Serpe was one of my fathers best friends and mentors......believe he was instrumental in making my father the teacher he was. I remember Mr. Serpe coming to our family parties and bringing joy and humor to the occasion. My father (Patrick O'Mara) had the utmost admiration and respect for Mr. Serpe......as do I. Michael O'Mara (SI '82)
Michael Hardt
February 26, 2014
Matt Picchietti wrote a lovely remembrance of Mr. Serpe at his blog: http://thefirstdrafts.com/rip-mr-serpe/
Michael Pisani
February 26, 2014
A great teacher and a gentleman, who created his own sartorial statements as well as "Many are cold, but few are frozen".
"Goodby, Mr. Chips"
Jim Holmes LA 1981
February 26, 2014
Judas Priest! That was Mr Serpe loud ties jumbo pencils and wide open windows in the middle of winter were all his props of his trade that he used to educate students. He loved what he did and he cared about so many of us and would never let a person give up. I think of him often and was sad to hear his passing, his shoes will be hard to fill. Thanks Mr. Serpe you still make me smile!!!!
Christopher Stephan, Jr. LA '95
February 26, 2014
I have such clear memories of his inimitable teaching style: animated, encouraging, rigorous, and gentle at once. He was Jesuit education at its finest. My condolences to his family and to the Loyola community.
Robert Babecki LA '71
February 25, 2014
Mr. Serpe taught me algebra and geometry, but he also taught by example, in countless small ways, what it means to be a good man. In his career he manifested extraordinary competence and longevity, but I remember him most for his patience and his kindness. My condolences to his family, his friends, and the many others like me who count themselves lucky to have been his student.
Mark & Jinny Thompson
February 25, 2014
What a full life to celebrate, a teacher, one of our greatest assets as we grow in our younger years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Serpe family.
James O'Loughlin
February 21, 2014
Jim Serpe was the consummate teacher, an esteemed gentleman, and a doctrined Christian. He was the standard all of us fledglings hoped to be. May he rest in the same peace he always extended to others.
Danuta Zukowski
February 21, 2014
Dear Susan, Conveying my prayerful condolences to you on the loss of your dear Father. The loss of a beloved parent is profound and I share in your grief. Requiescat in pace. Love, Danuta
Fred Tremmel LA '71
February 20, 2014
Mr. Serpe was truly a great teacher who inspired us with his energy and wit. My sincere condolences to his family. He left a great impression on all of us students. I remember him saying "Many are cold but few are frozen" when he opened the windows on a cold day.
Free Tremmel LA '71
February 20, 2014
Mr. Serpe was truly a great teacher, who inspired us with his energy and wit. My sincere condolences to his family. He left a lasting mark on all of us students. I remember him saying "Many are cold, but few are frozen" when he opened the windows.
James Frascona
February 20, 2014
Dear Serpe family, I'm sure you know how much Mr. Serpe meant to our family (especially my father). We certainly knew of Jim's genius and accomplishments as an educator, but to us he was a genuine, warm, energetic, caring soul, and loyal friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck Allworth LA '75
February 20, 2014
Sadly, teachers who genuinely care about their students are a subset of the whole. Teachers who do genuinely care but who can't teach very well are a further subset of the whole. Yet another subset is represented by teachers who don't burn out after six years in the classroom, much less 66 years. What made Jim a superior teacher was his ability to combine outstanding pedagological skills with a genuine sense of caring for his students. Loyola is very fortunate to have had many great educators like Jim who truly care. What made Jim stand tall as a giant among giants was his ability to maintain his enthusiasm for teaching throughout all those decades. I recall many days spent after school in a classroom full of students who wanted extra help from him. After a full day of being a whirlwind of activity in his classroom, Jim was as fresh and fully engaged in those after school tutoring sessions as he was in his first period class. It was clear that he took a special interest in helping students who were struggling. Although he was definitely one of a kind, we need more teachers with his special attributes. Condolences to all who are grieving his loss.
Chris Tavolacci
February 20, 2014
If you look up "Teacher" in the dictionary, Jim Serpe's photo should appear. He made Math fun. To a life well lived! You, sir, were THE most interesting man in the world.
February 19, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your
time of grief. May your memories bring you
comfort.
The staff of Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care
Katie Anagnost
February 19, 2014
Mr. Serpe was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He was a true role model: kind, caring, thoughtful, positive, and happy. No matter who you were, stranger or friend, he would take the time to say hello and smile. He will be missed!
Paul Nelson
February 19, 2014
Truly, one of the greatest teachers in my life time whose dedication instilled life lesson far above the math and algebra classes he taught us as freshman.
Paul Nelson' 78
Steve Janowski LA '85
February 19, 2014
A great teacher and a great man!! R.I.P.
Christopher Deger
February 19, 2014
Dr. Serpe represented the quintessential teacher--a role model whom I greatly admired & copied as I have developed my career. Jim's self-effacing confidence, his willingness to plunge in to help anybody; his garrulous good nature and commitment to his vocation are but a few of the jewels which he has shared with us. He always made me smile, made me reflect about teaching & life, made me glad to be alive as his joy of living infected everyone around him. To Anita and his family, thank you for sharing this great man who also believed strongly in family and family values. Despite his small stature in height, he will always be a giant of a man to me and to those who knew him. I know that he will be missed but the numbers of lives that he has touched will always remain countless. God bless, you, Jim; God bless you Anita and your family.
Joe Foreman
February 19, 2014
Our deepest condolences. Mr. Serpe was a great human being and great teacher. Sincerely, Joe Foreman class '45, Jack Foreman '47, Bill Foreman '49 St. Ignatius H.S.
February 19, 2014
Mr, Serpe was the most encouraging and thoughtful teacher I ever had. I also learned more math from him than any other teacher and I still use it today. May God accept Jim Serpe into heaven today. Peter McNulty, '69
John Nicolau
February 19, 2014
Truly a man for others and one of the most memorable teachers from my freshman year at Loyola Academy. While he is gone, he will not soon be forgotten and his impact on not only my life, but on the lives of the many students he came in contact with, will carry on his memory for many years to come. May he rest in peace knowing that he completed a job so very well done. A.M.D.G. John Nicolau LA '77
Gregory Pulawski
February 18, 2014
Mr. Serpe was the finest algebra teacher of the last three generations. His lasting influence on thousands of people extends well beyond the fond memories of learning to understand the initially incomprehensible intricacies of math. He provided an example of a life well lived. Requiescat in pace. But as Ovid said Non omnis moriar - his life's work shall continue its influence in the world. LA 1978.
February 18, 2014
Dear Anita and Family, You have my most sincere prayers at this time. I was indeed blessed from the first day I met Jim Serpe and became his friend for life. To be a fellow faculty member with him at Sacred Heart Seminary remains to this day as a privilege and a treasured memory. Watching Jim and Sam, arm in arm, engulfed in their brotherly embrace and bending over with laughter, confirmed the fact that this day would be a bright one worth living. I will never forget, dear Anita, the get-together party for the SHS faculty at your Jonquil Terrace home during a Christmas holiday season. I learned a life-long lesson: whenever wife and husband, Anita and Jim, share their love, respect and esteem for each other, God is truly present.
Thank you, Anita, for the love and inspiration and support you provided to Jim which he gratefully lavished on so many who acknowledged him as a true Legend.
Blessings on you and all your family.
Love and Affection.
Joan and Tom Forte, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
February 18, 2014
Mr. Serpe was truly a man for others. He was blessed with unwavering patience in the instruction of his students. He would not quit working with you when you were struggling though a problem. I remember one instance when Mr. Serpe was my tutor at Loyola Academy's Math Lab. He had worked with me for the entire week prior to my taking an exam. When I received my good mark on the exam I returned to the Math Lab to show Mr. Serpe. He shared in my success. What a great and selfless human being.
Joe Sweeney
February 18, 2014
Jim was truly a man for others. I will always remember him by this statement: "Praise someone today." These were his words of wisdom to many and he taught by example. My thoughts and prayers are with the Serpe family. May God bless all of you and may you cherish the memories of this loving man!
Tom Theisen
February 18, 2014
My condolences to Jim's family and friends. He was my first period Algebra teacher in 9th grade and I have as vivid memories of him as any teacher I've had my entire life. His energy and concern for his students was incredible and, no doubt, influenced my own decision to become a teacher. To call him unforgettable is a massive understatement. Rest in peace, Jim Serpe.
February 18, 2014
James was our math teacher at Sacred Heart Seminary in Melrose Park in the mid 40'. A great teacher and caring human being. I shall offer Mass for him.
Bishop Lawrence Sabatini c.s.
Mark Lunden
February 18, 2014
A truly great man - one of the best ever to practice his craft. Thousands were touched by his peerless personality. I can still hear his voice from geometry...and I still quote him to my children 38 years after I had the honor to be taught by him while frozen into rigid attention by the wide-open windows.
Julianne CeCe
February 18, 2014
A long, well-lived life spent giving of himself to everyone -- we have all been very lucky and greatly blessed to have had him in our lives.
Sincere condolences to The Serpe Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve Rigney
February 18, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Serpe family. Mr. Serpe was my math teacher at Loyola Academy. He was a true gentleman and a man for others!
John O'Callaghan, LA '64
February 18, 2014
I never had Mr. Serpe in class at Loyola, but he came to my house for several sessions of tutoring in Algebra.
He was He was an honorable man that was totally dedicated to his students.
RIP.
February 18, 2014
STEVE - My condolences and prayers are with you and your entire family at this time. What a wonderful man, and what a beautiful life. How many lives he touched in a deep way is so evident from all the tributes in the guest book.
Ernie Basile
Bernard Garvey
February 18, 2014
As a young man, Jim taught math to the Class of '45 at St Ignatius. Although
not my greatest strengths, he made math class fun and easy to understand.
Years later, he taught many of my sons
at Loyola Academy with the same gift of
humor and encouragement. He are in my
prayers. Rest in peace.
Mel Jiganti
February 18, 2014
A wonderful teacher and an equally fine man.
My condolences to the Serpe family.
Bobby McGuire
February 18, 2014
Mr. Serpe was my home room teacher, math teacher and my most memorable teacher. He always made me feel appreciated and he never pulled any punches. I will miss him.
Bobby McGuire LA 83
Jim Mullenix
February 18, 2014
Jim Serpe went to high school with my Dad, and they remained close friends throughout their lives. Although none of my brothers & sisters officially had Mr. Serpe as a teacher (we went to Notre Dame, Regina and Marillac) Mr. Serpe would regularly tutor us in math. Without a doubt, he was the best teacher I ever had.
What made him special was that he had an amazing ability to "break down" the most complicated math problems to whatever level necessary for you to understand. If the first 'break down" didn't work, he'd come up with another one. And if that didn't work, he'd do it again & again, until you got the concept. Then he'd reverse the process, and build it back up, bringing you along with him. And at the end, when the light bulb went off in your head, he'd laugh, slap you on the shoulder, give you a piece of candy (Jolly Rancher, or nougat) and share in your success. Learning from him was a joyful adventure.
The fact that the man successfully taught mathematics to teenagers for over 65 years is testament to his genius, dedication and service to his God and mankind.
Mr. Serpe will be missed, but thankfully, his memories will remain with us forever. How truly blessed we all are to have known him!
Missionary Sisters of St. Charles (Scalabriians)
February 18, 2014
Mr. Serpe is in our daily prayers. Please accept our condolences in your moment of grief. We are very sorry for your loss.
Matt Smith
February 18, 2014
Jim Serpe brought a contagious joyful optimism and brilliance to every room he walked into. He could teach algebra to the most resistant teens and make them feel an adventure in it because they could feel he cared about their success. His departure is everyone's loss, but the way he lived will be paid forward for generations to come. We will carry him with us in our hearts.
Bill Zwack, LA '73
February 18, 2014
I wouldn't have ever thought math could be fun without Mr. Serpe. His life of dedicated teaching and love for others will always be a shining example for me.
Lynn
February 18, 2014
May the comfort only God can give be with you. Draw close to God during this difficult time.
Pete Gresens
February 18, 2014
An amazing man with great wit, charm and compassion for all of those who might otherwise struggle with mathematics.
His love of people and his understanding of his tremendous God - given gifts is evident in his commitment to sharing these with the community as long as practicable.
I only had the pleasure of learning from Mr. Serpe for 1 year (1976), but can say that the confidence he assisted me in building was immense. I often refer to and quote him when working with my son on our journey through algebra this year.
A large loss to the Serpe family and the community, rest assured he has reached his eternal reward.
Rest in Peace Mr. Serpe!
Pete Gresens LA Class of 1980
kevin mcgowan
February 17, 2014
always would open the windows in the classroom when it was 0 outside , said it would get the brain going .
can't believe I remembered this after all these years class of 82 kevin m.
February 17, 2014
In our freshman algebra class, Mr. Serpe kept us on on our toes, entertained us with that wild, one-of-a-kind sense of humor, and really pushed us, challenged us: the tests always went beyond what we expected. Thank you, Mr. Serpe, for the unforgettable memories and one-liners, and for the life lessons. ~ Tim Joseph, LA '94
Tim Joseph, LA '94
February 17, 2014
In our freshman algebra class, Mr. Serpe kept us on our toes, made us laugh at his wild, one-of-a-kind sense of humor, and always challenged us -- the tests were never just redoing what we'd already done. Thank you, Mr. Serpe, for the unforgettable memories and the life lessons.
Susan Fox
February 17, 2014
If it weren't for Mr. Serpe...I am quite sure I would never pass Math. He was the essence of patience, and he refused to give up on me, even though I tried to ten times or more.
Ann Clark
February 17, 2014
I am honored to have been a friend of the Serpe family and in in the presence of Mr. Serpe during my high school years. Thankfully, I did not need the assistance of a math tutor, but Mr. Serpe was one of the few parents of my close high school friends who left a lasting impression on me. He was full of life and laughter. It was always a joy to be in his presence. His ability to infuse fun into math was a special gift. I will always remember my dance with Mr. Serpe at the Loyola prom when my date disappeared for a while.
Mr. Serpe shared his life with so many. We are blessed to have had him on this earth for so long.
Peace and strength to all of the Serpe family at this time.
With love,
Ann
Michael Arvia
February 17, 2014
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved Mr. Serpe. I was in his freshman Algebra I/II class at Loyola Academy in 1993-94 and worked with him every day tutoring students in the math lab for years. This wonderful, vibrant, funny and compassionate man was the most memorable teacher I've ever. He inspired me to love math and to love life. On my college letter of recommendation he stated that I was one of the most outstanding students he'd ever taught in all his years as an educator; I was honored beyond words at his faith in me and am eternally grateful for him as a mentor and a friend. Now he belongs to the ages and is cracking jokes that are making God laugh. I offer my deepest condolences to his loving family and raise my glass to the incredible life of a great man who will never be forgotten.
Patrick Seeberg
February 17, 2014
I marveled at Mr. Serpe's level of energy and his ability to engage you as a person first, then a student. He dedicated himself to after-school sessions that ultimately led to me passing his Algebra class. Judas Priest, you will be missed but you affect on us lives on.
Patrick Seeberg, 1981
Dan McGuire
February 17, 2014
No one who had Mr. Serpe could forget him and each of us has a different story! One of my favorites...at daily mass at noon...during the handshake of peace...on days that we had a math test...he would say "Good luck today Mac...you are going to need it." Great man...so glad he lived along life...all of us were blessed to have known him!
February 17, 2014
Think of where man's glory begins and ends
and say HIS glory was HE had such friends Yeats
What a wonderful man, what a magnificent life, and what a fabulous,inspiring teacher. I loved attending his class as he made math easy for me. Jack Heafey, St. Igniatius Class of 1951.
Fred and Jeannine Bandaccari
February 17, 2014
The memorable times at Loyola will always be kept Jim. You were an inspiration to colleagues, students, and to friends. Our deepest condolences to Anita and her family.
Ben Lumicao
February 17, 2014
So sorry to hear of Mr. Serpe's passing. My freshman year at Loyola his Algebra II class was my first class every day. I can still picture him in front of the projector, writing out problems, and particularly remember those winter mornings when he would open up the windows in the classroom to wake all of us up! But mostly I remember that he was always around after school to anyone, whether they were in one of his classes or not, to give help with homework or concepts we were struggling with, and how good he was at teaching, and getting us to want to learn. He was a gentleman, a scholar, a judge of good liquor, but most of all, a great example of a man for others.
--Ben Lumicao LA '84
T. Roberts
February 17, 2014
I wanted to share a scripture with you and your family at 2 Corninthians 1:3 With deepest sympathy may the God of comfort be with you and your family.
T Dandridge
February 17, 2014
James 4:8
February 17, 2014
Please accept our condolence for the loss of your husband and the father of your children. May you be comforted by the cherished memories you, family, and friends have to share. The memories you have will sustain you until the time the God of comfort will bring an end to all the things that cause suffering and tears of pain.
Isaiah 65:17
Again, may you be comforted.
L.L.
John Dorsey Family
February 17, 2014
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of dear Mr. Serpe. He will always be remembered as a hard-working, honest and respectable man, and a great father. Our prayers are with you and your famiy.
Monica DiTommaso
February 17, 2014
Dear Susan and Tom. My deepest condolences to you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Bud Phillips
February 17, 2014
It was with sadness that I received an e-mail announcing that Jim had passed away. My memories of Jim as a colleague at Loyola are numerous and filled with joy. I will never forget his daily upbeat personality that affected all of us and made up better teachers. His life's lessons went way beyond the walls of the classroom and still influence my life in Florida.
With fond memories,
Bud Phillips
Toby Gilbert
February 17, 2014
Dear Susan and Family. I was sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. But on the bright side of this. He is at peace .
February 17, 2014
Mr. Serpe was the "BEST " teacher I ever had and a great friend I respected and admired. I pray for his family and know he is in Heaven with God smiling on all his students whom he helped ! Tony Mandolini - St Ignatius- 50'
Jim Dusablon
February 17, 2014
Dear Serpe Family, I am so sad to hear that Jim has passed. He was my teacher, colleague and friend. I am out of town so I can't attend the funeral.
February 17, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Serpe family.
Ken & Gail Koprowski
Bob & Liz Hackett
February 17, 2014
To the entire Serpe family, our deepest sympathy.
Mr. Serpe was one of a kind. A lovely and caring man who improved every student that had the good fortune to be in his class. In and out of the class room he had a zest for life, a man who would brighten your day and always left you smiling.
Thank you Mr. Serpe and God bless you.
Fr. Pat McGrath, SJ
February 17, 2014
Jim's 97 years were a gift to all who knew him. The Loyola Academy community celebrates his life and thanks God for his vocation to teach. Our prayers are with his beloved family.
February 17, 2014
My condolences to the Serpe family. May the warm memories you shared comfort you and may the promises God gives at Isaiah28:5 encourage you during the days ahead. Sincerely, LD.
Teddy Foggia
February 17, 2014
Our condolences to the entire Serpe family for there recent loss and may they know that God has a special place for him.
And recall his "To make a long story longer" Well all we can add is peace and a well deserved rest.
Barb and Vic Panegasser
February 16, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to the Serpe family...you will be in our prayers forever 'Uncle Jimmy'... your light shined very brightly and touched many
All our love in these toughest of times...Vic and Barb Panegasser
Maureen Mullenix-Spathies
February 16, 2014
You dedicated your life to educating the young.
Your words of wisdom helped me immensely.
You will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
May perpetual light shine upon you.
Jim Serpe & Camille Becker at the cousins reunion
Camille Becker
February 16, 2014
To the entire Serpe family, our deepest sympathy on the passing of one of the finest human beings ever to grace the planet! We will miss him always! Uncle Jim, you finally get to be reunited with my dad! Sam & Jim together again! We love you!
Camille & John Becker
Mary Barto
February 16, 2014
Dearest Uncle...
I know you are where you want to be...with our Lord...! Now you can pray for all of us with both hands...!!
We love you and will miss you...our world will be more 'empty' without you here...you will never be forgotten.
Please give our love to all our loved ones...which are too many to be named here..!
I just know you're having a wonderful reunion as I compose this memorial...!
Please pray for all of us left here on earth 'unceasingly'...until we can join you and all! After all...it's good to know people in 'high' places..!
Affectionately,
Wayne and Mary Kathleen
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