Italo “Duke” Serrani
August 1, 1917–February 12, 2011
Italo Nicholas “Duke” Serrani, 93, passed away Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, in Hilton Head Island, SC, after a brief illness. He lived in Stamford, CT for many years before retiring to the Carolinas and Vermont.
He was born Aug. 1, 1917, in Rome, NY, the third child of Nunzio and Maria (Gentile) Serrani of Tolentino, Italy.
On Feb. 12, 1941, Duke married Florence Rosemond LaPoint, who predeceased him. He joined her on the day that would have been their 70th wedding anniversary.
His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family. He is survived by two brothers, Nicholas Serrani and his wife, Nancy, of Huntley, IL, and Americo Serrani of Anaheim, CA; two brothers-in-law, Nicholas Cimino of Utica, NY and Joseph Iodice of Rome, NY; two sons, Ronald F. Serrani and wife, Lois of Charlotte, NC, and Thom Serrani and wife, Beth of Ludlow, VT; a daughter, Ann Marie Serrani -Wilkie and significant other, Paul McGovern of Hilton Head, SC; four grandchildren, James B. Serrani and wife, Davida of Fort Mill, SC, Michele A. Serrani of Charlotte, NC, Jenna M. Wilkie of Newtown, CT, and Ryan J. Wilkie of Hilton Head, SC; and two great-grandchildren, Lauren Alyssa Serrani of Fort Mill, SC, and Tristyn Matthew Wilkie-Stuart of Newtown, CT, as well as dozens of loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Francesco and two sisters, Lillian Cimino and Theresa Iodice.
Duke was very proud of his service in WWII for three years as an Army Corporal in the 35th Field Hospital in North Africa and Italy. During his tour of duty he served as an Italian interpreter and driver for his Commanding Office, Col George Wood and Chaplain Father Clarke. He also entertained the troops whenever he could find musical instruments and players to form a band.
Music was an important part of his life. He started his own band, Duke Glenn and His Orchestra, in Rome, NY, when he was 14 years old. He played drums and trombone, and was leader of the band that toured throughout upstate New York and the Glens Falls area in the 1930s.
Duke was in retail for many years, with Montgomery Ward, Caldor, Jackson Byrons, and Sears, where he was store manager in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Florida. He worked at Sterling Farms golf course in Stamford, CT, until he retired at the age of 91.
He enjoyed golf, cooking and sharing meals and good Italian bread with his family and friends, concerts and reading.. He was a gentle man and kind source of strength for all who knew him, with a playful sense of humor and a “terrific” appreciation for life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Wounded Warriors.
A memorial service will be held in Stamford, CT, in the spring at St Thomas Moore In Darien with burial at Queen of Peace Cemetery in Stamford and a celebration of life at a TBD location.
Veterans Funeral Care
1-800-467-7850
The best man I ever knew has gone to join my Mom on their 70th Anniversary. He was kind gentle, funny, smart, sweet and stubborn This man I called “Dad”. I will miss him so much. His music will live on in my heart. The memory of his smile will keep me warm.
I LOVE YOU, DADDY!
From your princess…
Ron, Thom and AnnMarie:
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Your dad (my uncle) was a wonderful man who led a life filled with love.
He will be missed by all of us but we will forever keep him in our hearts.
Much Love,
Lorraine
What a true Gentle Man.My Grandfather Was one of my good friends and was always there whenever you would need something, He cared about all he came in contact with.So many great memories and stories.Many good laughs shared.His legacy shall live on forever.He was one of the best, He is loved and missed.
We were honored to know Mr. Serrani. Our hearts are sad, because we will miss him. Whenever he was in our company, there was a warmth of goodness and happy times. He was just a joy to be around. Thanks for all the great Thanksgivings and Christmases,and family get togethers, all the stories and great wisdom you imparted to us all.
We will never ever forget you Mr. Serrani.
Love Nell & Ron Malyszka
With his endless patience, admirable gentleness and abundance of humor, Uncle Duke spent a life-time building a legacy of love and dedication to his family and friends. A modest man who was always happy with his world.
I didn’t know him long, but long enough to realize how special he was and will continue to be to those who were fortunate enough to be touched by his character. One of a shortening list of “the greatest generation”, his Family and Country were his sources of pride. His incredible wit & voracious appetite always amazed me. Proud, with good reason … his candle burned out long before his legend ever will.
I was blessed to celebrate Uncle Duke’s 90th birthday with him, along with my own parents, siblings, and cousins. I thank God for the memory of that weekend. Watching Uncle Duke(at 90)hit golf balls off Thom’s deck for the dogs to retrieve, listening to his stories, laughing, and enjoying a meal and wine with him. In his 80’s, Uncle Duke visited our farm and rode through the pastures checking the cow and calf herd with Steve. God is good and graced our lives with Uncle Duke for 94 years. Now God has called him home to reunite him with Aunt Florence. He will be missed. We will always remember him with love. Thanks for the memories. All our love, Jeanie and Steve
Uncle Duke — we will miss your smile at the family reunions
My father was an extraordinary man who lived his life with courage, dignity, and a great love of family. A life of sacrifice and achievement, duty and honor, love of country, and devotion to family.
He found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was very proud of them. We are so fortunate to have so many great memories.
He enjoyed golf, the NFL, following current events, lively conversation, and a good Italian meal with family and friends. He got a kick out of people’s amazement when they found out his age. What a great sense of humor!
Kind, considerate, always a gentleman, he made friends wherever he went. I miss him !
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Serrani families. To have had your Dad, Brother, Uncle & Grandpa for so many years is a true gift.
My grandfather gave me many gifts. Love and loyalty for my family and friends. The perseverance (or stubbornness?) to never give up. Taking pride in who we are and where we came from. Forty-six years of lessons from a man who made everyday a gift. With people, as with life, he had the patience of Michelangelo as he chipped away to find the beautiful statue hidden inside the marble. Molto grazie.
Ti amo, Papa.
I gran dolori sono muti – Great sorrows are mute.
Michele
Rest in peace Uncle Duke! You will never be forgotten. I will always remember your sweet smile.
Our love and prayers to the Duke Serrani family in their time of loss. We loved our Uncle Duke and will miss him but know there is a Serrani reunion happening in heaven.
Love, The Carlascio’s…Chris, Mark, Tessa,& Bella
My Papa Duke was a great man. He was kind, gentle, intelligent, funny, and a real joy to be around. I am blessed to have had you in my life. I enjoyed listening to your stories and you always knew how to make me laugh. I know that now you are in heaven, reunited with great-grandma Florence on your 70th Anniversary, and that I’ll see you again one day. Until then, your legacy will live on. Ti Amo!