SERRA, Louis F., 84, President and CEO of Serra Village and local Philanthropist died Friday, July 6, 2012, in the Weirton Medical Center. He was born Oct. 11, 1927, in Weirton, where he has resided his entire life. He graduated from Weir High School in 1945, served in the U.S. Army 1946-1947, received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ohio University in 1951 and his Masters Degree from Duquesne University.
Mr. Serra built The Weirton Convalescent Center in 1969 (a 100-bed facility) and opened in 1970. An Alzheimer Unit was added in 1990, making it 137-beds. Included in the complex is Serra Manor, a 32-bed Assisted Living facility and Grandview Terrace, a 20-unit Independent Living facility. Weirton Conference Center and Chestnut Manor, a HUD project for the disabled, were added in recent years.
The "Serra Foundation", a public foundation, was started in 1984. It contributes to local charities that aide the underprivileged plus grants to local high schools to support annual scholarships. This foundation will continue to fund these types of grants to the Weirton community.
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Mr. Serra was a former News Director for WEIR Radio, Administrative Aide to Congressman Cleveland Bailey 1960-1962, served as a full-time instructor at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH 1963-1967 and has served as Weirton Geriatric Center Complex Administrator for 30 years and, presently, as President/CEO.
He received the "Distinguished West Virginian Award" for his service to the community. Governor Caperton honored him in 1990 and Governor Underwood in 2000. The Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival named Serra the "Honoree" in 1990. He also served as President of the Weirtonian Lodge and Who's Who West Virginia Business Award winner in May, 2012.
Mr. Serra was active on both the state and local levels in the nursing home profession and was appointed by Governor Manchin as a member of the West Virginia Administrators Licensing Board. He also served as Past President of the West Virginia Chapter of Nursing Home Administrators.
In addition to his parents, Joseph and Lettie Ferrari Serra, Mr. Serra is preceded in death by his second wife Cecelia Front-Serra, son Joseph Serra, sisters Marie Serra, Delores Serra and Phyllis DiGirolamo, brothers Guy and Charles Serra.
Mr. Serra is survived by his wife Theresa Carpini Serra; daughters Rhonda (Geno) Quatrtrochi and Cindy (Joseph) Alongi all of Weirton; step-children Rosanna Bennett of Irvine, CA, Albert (Michelle) Panella of Westminster, CA, Ron (Kathy) Front of Columbus, OH, Chris (Jessica) Front of South Carolina and Madonna (Jim) Heiss of Morgantown, WV and grandchildren Jason, Joseph, Gina and Lettie Quattrochi, Casey Richards, Serra Alongi, Joseph and Nathan Panella, Terese and Anthony Bennett, Michael Panella, Zachary Serra and James Heiss and great-grandaughter Sophia Quattrochi.
Visitation will be held Sunday 4-8 p.m. and Monday from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Manuel Gelido and Reverend Father Larry Dorsch concelebrating. Entombment will be in St. Paul Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Serra Foundation, 2525 Pennsylvania Avenue, Weirton, WV 26062.
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com.
