John Joseph Serenci

John Joseph Serenci passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026. Born on August 7, 1944, in Chatham, New Brunswick, Canada, to New Zealand Air Force pilot Albert Frederick Walker and Canadian resident Mary Clancy, he was lovingly adopted as an infant by his aunt Eileen Serenci and her husband John Michael Serenci. He was raised in Hempstead on Long Island, New York.

In 1962, John joined the United States Air Force, serving honorably as an Airman and Medical Service Specialist with assignments at Andrews Air Force Base and Wheelus Air Force Base in Tripoli, Libya during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he built a long career in the telecommunications industry with BellSouth and AT&T, beginning in New York and later continuing in South Florida until his retirement.

John married Christine Ashton in New York in 1968, and together they raised three children: Jack, Kerry, and Andrea. In 1998, he married Eugenia Avey and warmly welcomed her daughter Brittney into his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Eugenia Serenci; his children Jack Serenci and his wife Renee, Kerry Kelley and her husband Bob, and Andrea Thomas; and his stepdaughter Brittney Rushing and her husband Steven. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Logan Howard, Christian Howard, Piper Serenci, Nathan Thomas, and Sydney Thomas, as well as his great-grandchild Novi Howard. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Jacob Matthew Thomas.

A proud and devoted grandfather known affectionately as “Pop,” John rarely missed a grandchild’s baseball game, dance recital, swim meet, or practice. He was a proud Irishman, an active member of his community who served as President of the Bal Harbour Rotary Club and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved golf, faithfully followed the New York Yankees and New York Jets, and cherished trips to Hawaii where he enjoyed the music of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. Known for his quick wit, constant jokes, and his ability to make everyone laugh, John never spoke a bad word about anyone. At home, he created lasting traditions with his “Egg McJohn’s” breakfast sandwiches and special Christmas morning pancakes that brought his family together in laughter and warmth. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.