Anthony Serra

Anthony "Tony" Serra was born on March 4, 1927 in Italy. He grew up in a small town outside Monte Cassino called Sant' Elia. Tony was the oldest of nine siblings. He was a loving brother that valued the importance of family and tradition. He had dreams of a life in America and experiencing a whole new world. Tony took his dreams and started out on the adventure of life. In his 20's Tony made the voyage over to America to begin the next chapter of his story. His first five years away from Italy were spent in Canada. He later moved to Detroit, Michigan where he met the amazing woman he would call his wife, Anna. Tony and Anna met one beautiful morning in 1958 at Precious Blood Parish. Many say that Tony and Anna were the perfect match. They were married and became parents to two children, Joseph and Sylvia Serra. Tony took pride in being a father and loved spending time with his children. While being a father, Tony was a partner of Tiseo Paving until he retired years later. Eventually Tony moved his family to Troy, Michigan where he raised his family. After many years of working, Tony retired to spend time with his family and enjoy the hobbies he loved. His son Joe eventually married Maria and gave Tony and Anna three grandchildren. Tony was a proud and loving grandfather that always spent time with his grandchildren. Tony was a very active person as well and enjoyed engaging in physical activities. He loved to play his weekly 18 holes of golf but, of course, never drove a cart. Tony loved to walk the whole course to get exercise and enjoy being outside. He also loved going on long walks. Another hobby that Tony spent his time doing was growing one of the most beautiful gardens around. He grew all sorts of vegetables and attended to them daily. He also had about seven fruit trees in his back yard that he would spray and pick every year. He loved taking his grandchildren outside and showing them all the rules of gardening. Tony also enjoyed the yearly tradition of canning homemade sauce and fruits with his wife. He also enjoyed going to all of his grandchildren's sporting events. He was a man that loved life and enjoyed spending time with his family. Tony passed away April 11, 2013 after living a wonderful 86 years of life. Beloved husband of Anna for almost 55 years. Dear father of Joe (Maria) and the late Sylvia. Devoted grandfather of Gina, Christina, and Joey. Also Survived by 8 siblings. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 17, 2013, from 1-9 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road, Troy (between Maple & Big Beaver), 248-362-2500, with Rosary Service at 7 p.m. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 - 9:30 a.m. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 4571 John R, Troy, with Rev. J. J. Mech officiating. Visitation at church begins Thursday at 9 a.m. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan Memorial tributes may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 20300 Civic Center Drive, #100, Southfield, MI 48076 -or- Masses.