Salvatore Anthony Serpe

Salvatore Anthony Serpe, my loving husband passed away in his home, on Wednesday, April 2, 2014.  We lost him due to complications from a brain tumor. Above all, Sal was a family man and all of his joy came from spending time with his large and ever-growing family. He was a good man and a generous, loving father and husband. There are so many beautiful memories to share.

Sal enjoyed being with his children and sharing many family picnics, vacations and especially “Serpe’s Corner” in Eagle Lake, the name of our summer retreat. We would all pile up in the car, bring a bucket of fried chicken and battle the parking lot of traffic, otherwise known as Staten Island. Fond summer memories with our children and grandchildren took place at Eagle Lake. Roasting marshmallows over our fire-pit, fishing on our paddle-boat or relaxing on the deck that Sal built, with his son Joseph and many other people who loved helping Sal. He loved relaxing on his deck, his favorite chair always handy for sitting and enjoying nature, the black bears and warm summer breezes.

Sal had an amazing sense of humor and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to make his grandchildren laugh. Whether it was winking at them, making a funny face or playing “monster” and peekaboo, he loved hearing the precious sound of his grandchildren’s laughter. All of the grandchildren will remember their grandpa as their “favorite pillow”. He was so warm and cuddly and always waiting with open arms and a bear hug.

  One of his best and most exciting moments, was us going to see Regis and Kelly Live, in Manhattan. He even had a photo-op with Regis after the show, and this made him so happy. He loved going to the movies at the UA Sheepshead Bay and crossing the street to his favorite restaurant Jordan’s Lobster House. Sal was a true couch potato who loved to watch his New York Yankees baseball games on TV, from the comfort of his favorite chair. Sal had a real sweet-tooth, he loved black-out cake and even had a secret candy-stash drawer in his room. Filled with his favorites; Hershey kisses and Hershey bars.

Salvatore Anthony Serpe was born February 17, 1946 at Brooklyn Doctors Hospital to Angelina and Silvester Joseph Serpe.  He had three younger sisters. Rosemarie who was born in 1961 and died in 1964.  Anne Marie who is married to Neil Chollick and have a son Joel.  Angela who is married to Onofrio DeMattia and have two children, his god-daughter Christina and Vito.

He graduated from McKinley Junior High and joined the US Marine Corps in 1963. He served in Vietnam in 1966 as a communications specialist and sharp shooter. He was honorably discharged as a corporal in 1967.

Sal and Alicia, were married July 21, 1968 at St Francis De Chantel in Brooklyn.  We were blessed to have four beautiful children.

Carla Ann married to Joseph Volpe, Catherine married to Nicola Cannizzaro, Angella engaged to Joseph Damiani Sr. and our son Joseph married to Sabrina. Godson Salvatore Hodges, who Sal looked upon as a son, married to Jaime with their two children Kaitlyn and Lia. His beloved grandchildren are Jacqueline and Salvatore Medina, Joseph Damiani Jr., Victoria and Alyssa Cannizzaro and Lucia Serpe.

Sal worked for New York Merchants, a burglar alarm company, New York Telephone as an installer, Telecom and IBEW Local 3 as a telephone technician. He retired in 2005 and we moved to Delaware Water Gap in Pennsylvania.

Sal will be remembered with love by his family and by the many people whose lives he touched. Please leave a funny story or memory you had with him.  A friend whose husband is a Reverend sent me this quote:

“In life we have to accept what is

Let go of what was

And have faith and hope in what will be

Let’s hope in what will be. “

Reposing Thursday, 7-10 and Friday, 2-5 & 7-10 pm at the CUSIMANO & RUSSO FUNERAL HOME, 2005 West 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY. Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Saturday, 10:00 am at St. Frances de Chantal Roman Catholic Church, 1273 58th Street, Brooklyn, NY. Interment to follow, with military honors, in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn NY. www.cusimanoandrussofuneralhome.com