Joseph L. Serge, 88, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2020 at Niagara Hospice House, in the presence of his loving family. Born on March 28, 1932 in West Virginia, he was the son of the late Michael and Helen (Alfieri) Serge.
Joe, as he was known, came to Niagara Falls in 1943 with his family, where he met his childhood sweetheart and future wife of 68 years, Rose Macri. They married in 1951 at the former Our Lady of Lebanon Church. Joe adored Rose and anyone that was around would hear, “where’s Rose?”
Joe attended local schools and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School with a focus in carpentry. He became the head carpenter at the NYS Power Authority. Years later, Joe worked for the City of Niagara Falls as the Housing/Building Inspector, retiring in 1994.
Joe was a sports enthusiast, especially football and New York Yankees baseball. He loved gardening, do-it-yourself projects, carpentry, puzzles of any kind and watching Jeopardy and Wheel-of-Fortune. Joe’s favorite hobby was crocheting. He made the American Flag for President Truman leading to a personal letter of appreciation and acknowledgement from the President. Above all, Joe loved spending time with his family and always making people laugh with his silly jokes and one-liners, which he made up himself. He always had kind words to say about everyone. Joe was also an animal lover, having many dogs and cats through the years and he was a man of Faith, attending Mass daily at St. Joseph Church (Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish).
Joe is survived by his wife and love of his life, Rose (Macri) Serge; three children, Helen (Howard Suss) Serge, Patti Jo (Serge) Reynolds and Joseph (Brenda) Serge; ten grandchildren, Niagara Falls City Councilman, William Kennedy II, Kellie, Camille, Joelle and Harry Reynolds, Rachel Jolie, Terri and Michael Serge, Robert James and Natalie Suss; six great-grandchildren, Chelsea Reynolds, Olivia Stankovich, Jonna jo and Josiah Rioux, MaKayla Sample and Mark Thomas and one great-great-grandchild, Tristan Ralands. He is also survived by his aunt, Lucille; and nieces and nephews, Michael Lawson, Michael Alfearie, Rene (Alfearie) Ligammari, JoAnne (Alfearie) DeFazio, Joette (Alfearie) Shamrock and Linda (Arone) Burge.
Mr. Serge’s family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the physicians, nurses and staff of Niagara Hospice and to Terri Macri for the compassionate care Joe received.
All services are private. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 310, Wellesley Hill, MA 02481. Arrangements are under the care of Michael R. Goodlander, OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME. Share condolences at GOODLANDERCARES.com
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