POLAND ? Prayers will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Holy Family Church for Andrew J. Serenko Jr., 83, who passed away Saturday morning at Hospice House.
Andrew was born a Nov. 19, 1926, in Youngstown, the son of Andrew J. Sr. and Anna Soltis Serenko.
Andrew was a 1945 graduate of Chaney High School. Following graduation, he served as an Army staff sergeant in World War II and spent six years in the reserves during the Korean War.
He was a millwright at General Fireproofing for 45 years, retiring in 1989. Andrew also owned his own new home foundations water proofing business for 45 years. His involvement included membership at the Holy Family Church and Penn-Ohio Polka Pals Boosters.
Andrew was an enthusiastic member of the Knights of Columbus in Poland and was Ohio?s top raffle ticket seller for many years. He volunteered at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Boardman and the soup kitchen at St. Vincent DePaul Society. Andrew enjoyed gardening, traveling and photography.
His wife, the former Theresa Tabaka, whom he married May 29, 1954, passed away Dec. 19, 1989.
Andrew leaves his three sons, Gene Laurie Serenko of Boardman and their children, Rachel Serenko and Jamie Serenko fiancé Joe Fairley, Chuck Carol Serenko of New Middletown and their children, Catherine Serenko fiancé Tom Ruminski and Carolyn Serenko, and Bob Jenny Serenko of Cranberry, Pa. and Bob?s stepdaughter, Allison Moore. He also leaves Alice Merdich, his companion and best friend of 18 years, who lovingly took care of him for the past 2 years.
Andrew was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 35 years, the former Theresa Tabaka; and his two sisters, Margaret Komsa and Ann Krill.
Family and friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Calling hours will conclude with a prayer service by the Knights of Columbus.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Young and the staff at Hospice House for their wonderful care, as well as the staff members at St. Elizabeth?s in Boardman, Caprice Health Care Center and the Renal Care Group in Boardman.