Ernest Anthony Serena

Ernest Anthony Serena, 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Norwell, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Derry, Pennsylvania, on October 12, 1934, Ernest was the son of Glenn Patrick Serena and Gertrude (née Berkmeyer) Serena.

After graduating from Derry Area High School, Ernest enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably and later continuing his education through the GI Bill. He attended Saint Vincent College, where he received the prestigious Woodrow Wilson National Scholarship. He went on to become a Woodrow Wilson Fellow in English Literature, earning his master's degree with distinction.

Ernest began his professional life as an English teacher at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. He later served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a role he fulfilled with integrity and dedication. Following his years in the FBI, Ernest built a successful career in architecture and home construction, ultimately designing and building the family home where he spent his later years.

Deeply creative, Ernest was a painter, writer, and lifelong student of the arts. He published written works, filled journals with reflections and poetry, and found joy in expressing himself through many forms of creativity.

Ernest married his beloved wife, Barbara Serena, in 1958. Together they shared 67 years of marriage marked by devotion, partnership, and enduring love.

He is survived by his three children-Thomas, Christine, and Annette Serena-along with his 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, who knew him fondly as "Grandfather" or "Grandfather the Great." Ernest was the last surviving member of his immediate family and is preceded in death by all of his siblings and his parents.

In his later years, Ernest also served as Chief Operating Officer of SerenaGroup, contributing his experience and leadership to the family's clinical research organization.

Ernest will be remembered for his integrity, his creativity, his quiet wisdom, and the deep love he held for his family. His legacy lives on in the generations he guided, the work he accomplished, and the life he built with intention and heart.

He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Angels Parish - St. Mary's, 392 Hanover St. Rte. 139, Hanover, on Tuesday, December 2nd at 10am, followed by a burial at Stetson Meadows Cemetery, Norwell.