James "Jim" Serano

James "Jim" Serano

AGE: 95 • Wanamassa

James "Jim" Serano, 95, long-time Wanamassa resident, decorated veteran, self-made businessman, dedicated member of our community, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, FL. Jim was born Dec. 23, 1919 as one of seven children to James and Cecilia Serano in Mahanoy City, PA. He was a graduate of Mahanoy City High School and went on to serve in the Civilian Conservation Corps and Pennsylvania National Guard before enlisting in the United States Army during World War II. During his military service, he spent 33 months overseas in England, Italy, and North Africa - including 719 days on the front lines during which he was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Silver Star for gallantry in action.

After returning home from war, Jim settled down in Wanamassa, NJ. He started his own business, Serano's Heating and Cooling, where he served the residents of the Jersey Shore for over 50 years. He was a volunteer and life member of the Wanamassa Fire Company and First Aid Squad, serving as First Aid Captain in 1967 and Fire Chief in 1974. He continued his public service as an elected Fire Commissioner for Ocean Township's 2nd District, a position he served for over 30 years.

In addition to his volunteer work as a fireman, Jim was a dedicated Ocean Township Little League Coach and an active member of the Catholic War Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks, the Sons of Italy, the Italian American Association of Ocean Township, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church of Asbury Park. In 1994, he was awarded the Mayor of Ocean Township's Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of dedication to the community.

He is predeceased by his siblings, Lillian, Phillip, Doro, Francis, and Raymond; and his first wife, Lillian. He is survived by his devoted and loving family - his wife, Felicia; his three sons, James, Richard, and Peter; his daughter, Felicia Ann; his brother, Joseph; his three grandchildren, Alessandra, Marisa, and Josh; and his four great-grandchildren, Leah, Elias, Luca, and Nathan.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8 at Fiore Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. Funeral Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Asbury Park. Burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The Serano family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, a monetary donation in memory of Mr. James Serano be made to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, Attn: Voluntary Services (135), 7305 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33410. Fund 8016-Chaplain Catholic.