Serra, Thomas J.
Thomas John Serra, 72, of Middletown, CT passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday, February 9, 2019. Born April 14, 1946, he was the son of the late Concetto "Connie" Serra and Marian (Sconti) Serra. Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend to all. He was very passionate about his family and the Middletown Community. Tom served as a Teacher, Coach and Administrator for over 30 years at his beloved Vinal Technical High School where he positively influenced thousands of students, teachers, faculty and staff. He served his beloved city of Middletown as mayor from 1993-1995 and as council majority leader for over 30 years. Being a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University and The University of Connecticut, Tom took pride in pushing all he touched to accomplish their goals through education, learning from mistakes and being a loving community member. He is survived by his loving wife Maryann (Saporita) Serra, sons Jason Thomas Serra and Wife Jill (Belenchia) Serra of East Hampton, Christopher Paul Serra and wife Amy Lynn (Bedner) Serra of South Glastonbury, 5 grandchildren, Luca, Marco, Brayden, Matteo, and Caylee Ann Serra, brother Joseph C. Serra and wife Marie, sisters Loretta Roberts and husband Tom, Joy Moncada and husband Nick, sister-in-law Sonia Kurdziel and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was the president of the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame for over 10 years. Prior to that he was inducted into the Hall of fame twice for being an All-State Football player, and a standout athlete at Middletown High School from 1960-1964. He was full of "Tiger Pride" and the colors of orange and black. He received multiple awards for his service and achievements of which he was most proud: The 2011 Eastern Connecticut State University Distinguished Alumni Service Award, The 2013 Governor William A. O'Neil Public Service Award, and the 2018 Italian-American Legislative Caucus Award at the State Capitol. Friends may call on Friday, February 15, 2019, at the Middletown High School Auditorium from 3-7 p.m. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Sebastian Church on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. (please go directly to the Church for the Mass). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to The Thomas J. Serra Memorial Scholarship Fund sent to Liberty Bank, 315 Main St., Middletown, CT 06457, in care of Maryann Perrotti or the St. Sebastian Renovation Fund, 155 Washington Street, Middletown, CT 06457.