Dr. Raymond A. Serway

Dr. Raymond Anthony Serway, 89, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, at his home in Ashburn, Virginia. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, physicist, educator, and man of deep faith, Dr. Serway leaves behind a legacy of intellectual rigor and unwavering commitment to science education.

Born on June 26, 1936, in Frankfort, New York, Dr. Serway was the son of Fargo and Emily Karouf Serway. He grew up in a close-knit family and was one of nine siblings. He was predeceased by his brothers John, George (Jeanette), and Alec (Joan), and sisters Sophie (Fritz) Pelose, Alice (Tino) Puleo, and Virginia (Frank) Traglia. He is survived by his sisters Helen (Ronald) Miner and Freda (Albert) Orbinati.

Dr. Serway’s academic journey began at Utica College of Syracuse University where he earned an A.A.S. in Basic Engineering in 1958 and a B.A. in Physics in 1959. He continued his studies with an M.S. in Physics from the University of Colorado in 1961 and culminated his formal education with a Ph.D. in Physics from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in 1967. Dr. Serway held research appointments at the Rome Air Development Center (1961–1963) and at the IIT Research Institute (1963–1967).

His professional career was marked by a passion for teaching and research that spanned decades. Dr. Serway began his teaching career at Clarkson University, where he conducted research and taught from 1967 to 1980. During this time, he was honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award in 1977—a testament to his dedication to student learning.

In 1980, he joined James Madison University as Professor of Physics and Head of the Physics Department. He remained at JMU until his retirement in 1997. His contributions were recognized with the Madison Scholar Award in 1990, and in 1996, Dr. Serway established endowment scholarships at both Utica University and James Madison University. Dr. Serway's achievements were also recognized by his alma mater when he received the Alumni Achievement Award from Utica University.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Serway made significant contributions to the field of condensed matter physics through more than 40 published research papers and over 70 presentations at professional conferences and also published four student study guidelines, two of which were written with Professor John R. Gordon.

His work extended internationally as a Guest Scientist at the IBM Research Laboratory in Zurich, Switzerland, he worked with K. Alex Müller, 1987 Nobel Prize recipient. Dr. Serway also was a visiting scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, where he collaborated with his mentor and friend, Sam Marshall. A prolific author, Dr. Serway shaped generations of college and high school students through his widely used textbooks. His first major work, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, published in 1982, became a foundational text for physics education worldwide and currently in its 11th edition. He co-authored several other influential texts and subsequent editions including Physics with Jerry Faughn; Principles of Physics with John Jewett; College Physics with Jerry Faughn; and Modern Physics with Clem Moses and Curt Moyer. In addition to textbooks, he authored numerous instructor’s manuals and developed educational software to enhance science instruction.

A man guided by deep spiritual conviction, Dr. Serway was a devoted Catholic who actively participated in parish life throughout his years. He was an engaged member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia; St. Raphael Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Florida; and St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg, Virginia.

Above all else, Dr. Serway cherished his family deeply. He shared 65 loving years with his wife Elizabeth Ann (Ortolano). Together they raised four children: Mark (Suzanne) Serway, Michele (Jim) Budzius, David (Emily) Serway and Jennifer (Claes) Ekholtz and took great pride in his 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Dr. Serway also leaves behind over 40 nieces and nephews who were touched by his wisdom and warmth.

Dr. Raymond A. Serway will be remembered not only for his scholarly accomplishments but also for his steadfast faith and enduring love for family. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire those whose lives he touched through teaching and example.

Donations in memory of Raymond Serway may be made to Blue Ridge Care.