Obituary of Alec Charles Serway

Alec C. Serway, age 66 of Rome, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 7, 2012. He was born in Frankfort, NY on June 6, 1946, son of Fargo and Emily Karouf Serway. He was a 1965 graduate of Rome Free Academy and later attended Berklee School of Music in Boston. He also studied Business Administration at Utica College. He was married for 41 years to Joan E. Murphy of Middletown, NY. Al is survived by his wife Joan, his daughter Emily and her husband Tony Manhart, two granddaughters, Ella and Sylvie (who he loved very much); and his daughter Dr. Christine Serway and her husband Brian Hobbs. He is also survived by his brother Dr. Raymond Serway, his wife Betty, and his sisters Sophie Pelose, Alice Puleo, Freda Orbinati, Helen Miner and her husband Ron, and brother-in-law Frank Traglia. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers George and John, sister Virginia Traglia, sister-in-law Jeanette Serway-Ischia, brothers-in-law Fritz Pelose, Tino Puleo and Albert Orbinati, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Al was an accomplished drummer and jazz musician and played with numerous bands, including Ovation. In his spare time he loved to play the piano. He was president of Serway Brothers, Inc. which was founded by his brothers John and George in 1947. Al had a lifelong commitment to his family business and became a partner in 1978. He was an integral part of his community serving on the board to save the Capitol Theater and lended a hand whenever needed. Al cherished his family and will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by family and friends for his kind heart and generous nature. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Peter's Church. Relatives and friends may call at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the National Kidney Foundation.