Robert Anthony Serra

It is with great sadness that the Serra family announces the passing of Robert A. Serra on May 7th 2025. He is survived by his wife Mary Anne Serra (nee Scullin), his two sons Stephen and Daniel (Nicole) Serra, his sister Kathy Canevari (Fred) (nee Serra), and niece Vicki Canevari, and his faithful canine companions Bernie and Simon.
Born in South Philly on July 30, 1959 to Robert G. Serra and June L. Serra (nee Ficca), Robert's love of music not only showed in his talent as a musician but his knowledge of showmanship both on and off stage. His skills as comedian, musician, pyrotechnician, dj, and roadie were passed on to his sons. The joy that his music, sense of humor, and artistic skills brought will live on through them and his family for many years.
Robert attended Epiphany of Our Lord Elementary School and St. Joseph's Preparatory High School. During this time, he enjoyed summers in North Wildwood, where he met his best friend and first bandmate Bill Dietrich. This first band was called Odyssey and he quickly learned playing lead accordion with Bill on drums wasn't working, so he taught himself guitar starting a life-long passion for anything with strings. Through their love of music, they made lifelong friendships, including Robert's future wife Mary Anne who he met through Bill's future wife Angela.
He attended LaSalle University where he met his next best friend and bandmate Fred Canevari, forming another band called the Junior Mints during his time studying Communications for Radio, Television, and Film. He graduated La Salle in 1983, after which he rekindled his relationship with Mary Anne during his senior week. In the fall of 1984, Robert and Mary Anne were married with Bill and Fred as best men and Angela and Kathy as bridesmaids. Robert, Mary Anne, Angela and Bill were in turn bridesmaids and best men when Fred and Kathy were later married in 1987.
Bob balanced his role as husband and father while he toiled for the US government as a Naval Contract Negotiator. The family enjoyed many boisterous Sunday breakfasts after Mass at the local diner. His love of music continued to evolve and deepen into a love of Gregorian chant. During the pandemic, he was a devoted member of the 6:30 pm conference call Rosary for All Saints Parish, putting to use his humour and Love of Our Lady in difficult times.
Robert's lifelong friendships became families. He touched many people with his wit and music and will be dearly missed. We hope he is annoying the heavenly hosts while jamming with Bill and Fred already waiting for him at The Great Gig in the Sky.
A viewing will be held on Friday May 16, 2025 from 9:00 to 10:30 am at Christy Funeral Home, 11 West Broad St., Millville, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am at Parish of All Saints, Buck and Depot Sts., Millville. Interment will be held on Monday May 19, 2025 at 11:00 am at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham, PA. Please meet directly at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's memory may be made to Parish of All Saints, 621 Dock St., Millville, NJ 08332, for the refurbishment of their organ. Memories of Robert and condolences for his family may be shared on the tribute wall.
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