Charles Serenko

NEW MIDDLETOWN — Charles A. Serenko died peacefully at his home Saturday, June 11, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Dec. 6, 1956, in Youngstown, a son of Andrew and Theresa Tabaka Serenko.

Charles was a 1975 graduate of Poland Seminary High School and worked for Marucci and Gaffney Excavating as a heavy equipment operator for 40 years.

He was a member of the Lions Club in New Middletown and Operating Engineers Local 66. Charles loved restoring old cars, most recently a 1954 blue DeSoto and a 1950 Silver Streak Pontiac. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Florida, and family vacations with friends in Garden City, S.C. He also enjoyed afternoon drives in his many cars.

Charles was an avid sports fan and attended many Springfield and Poland High School sporting events. He was very active throughout the years volunteering his time and giving back to his Springfield community. Charles was known for greeting family and friends on Saturday mornings with doughnuts. He was a family man and loyal friend.

Charles’ greatest joy was his grandchildren and he traveled all over to watch their extracurricular activities. The neighborhood kids referred to him as “Papa Chuck” and he would take them on rides in his utility vehicle.

Charles is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carol Serenko, whom he married April 17, 1982; two daughters, Catherine (Thomas) Ruminski of New Middletown and Carolyn (Eric) Fender of Poland; brothers, Eugene (Laurie) Serenko of Boardman and Robert (Kathy) Serenko of Cranberry, Pa.; five grandchildren, Carter, Owen and Caleb Ruminksi, and Tate and Emery Fender.

Charles’ family extends a heartfelt thank you to his sister-in-law, Betsy “Nurse Betsy” Kalter, Hospice of the Valley and UPMC for the care and compassion given to him.

Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2022, at St. Paul The Apostle Roman Catholic Church, where calling hours will be held one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charles’ memory to the Lions Club of New Middletown or Hospice of Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.