Louis Serrato

Louis J. Serrato A-1 Foreman Mr. Louis J. Serrato (Dad) a native of Visalia went to be with our Lord Jesus and his bride of 63 years, Ercilia Serrato, Friday January 11th, 2013 in Visalia at the age of 84 with his family at his side. Dad was born August 25th 1928 to Maria and Refugio Serrato. In 1947 Dad married our mother Ercilia, dad was 19 and Mom was 17, together they settled in Visalia and started their family. Dad absolutely loved living life; he loved everyone and never had a bad word to say about anyone, and however I can't tell you this story without including the love of his life, Mom. The 50s, 60s, and 70s were a time of hosting dances and parties at there home for friends and family, they were founders of the "COMPADRES CLUB" which consisted of the Godparents of their friends and family. Mom and Dad raised us 5 children to enjoy life by taking us camping numerous times, traveling to Colorado, stopping at land marks, canyons, caves, oceans, craters, mountains, deserts, forest and lakes, Dad taught us to explore life and my sister Elaine keeps raising her hand OH! OH! OH! Don't forget the Petrified forest...LOL!!. Dad was a great outdoors man, He loved to hunt pheasant, deer, and upland game, he taught us how to fish, golf, play badminton, lawn darts, bowling, croquet, go-carting(hand-built by Dad),BBQing at home and local parks, making friends. During some of our many house boating trips He taught most of the family how to swim. Dad was the most unique dancer we've ever known, his love of music gave him the ability to play the guitar, whistle and sing. His friends nick-named him ( Pajaro) which in a sense means (SONG-BIRD) , He serenaded Mom with" Tu Solo Tu" till she fell in love. Another great love of Dad was his Job. In 1951 Dad began his career with W.M. Lyles construction Co. He quickly moved up the ranks becoming an A-1 Forman, working side by side with the Gas, Electric, Water and Telephone Companies. Dad's jobs were state wide, when working out of town, Moms homecoming gifts were always little ceramic birds. Dad was very proud of his crew and the quality of work, receiving numerous awards, now my other sister Beatrice is raising her hands OH! OH! OH! "Many safety awards for his crew" say it!!!...LOL. Story upon stories were told up until the day of his home going. Some of daddy's favorite music groups were C.C.R., Johnny Cash, Frankie Lane, and Roy Orbison. Dad is survived by his 3 daughters Beatrice Serrato, Elaine Maldonado and husband Richard, and Debra Serrato, and son Henry Serrato and wife Ruth. 2 sisters Jessie Serrato (Pochita), Isabel Hernandez and husband Dario, and brother Tino Serrato Sr. and wife Mary. A whopping 15 Grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, and Godchildren. Dad was proceeded in death by Mama in 2010, and son Anthony Louis in 2006 and brothers Johnny, David, and Ray(CUCO) and sisters Jenny, Connie(Consuelo) and little Isabel. A celebration of life service will be held this Friday, January 18th at 9 a.m. at Heart of the Valley Church, Corner of Walnut and County Center, Visalia, CA. Burial at Visalia District Cemetery. Condolences may be emailed to salseranddillard@aol.com and or please see Facebook Ercilia Louis Serrato... be their friends.