Serafin, Paul J.

Paul Joseph Serafin, born on March 12, 1942 in Rochester, NY, was courageously beginning to fight a new diagnosis of cancer, but passed unexpectedly on November 7, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital. The family he cherished was by his side during two recent hospital stays to care for him and surround him with their love and advocate for him.

Our family is thankful to the team of medical professionals at both Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital that cared for him in the last several weeks.

He had overcome two prior major medical issues, 8 and 14 years ago, when each time we had thought he would not survive, but his stubborn go-getter spirit kept him with us those times. We are so thankful we all had more time together. For this new medical challenge though, the cards were unfortunately stacked against the likelihood of being able to overcome it. He wanted to do whatever was possible to fight and prolong his life to have more time with his family, but ultimately his body could not overcome the challenge. Although we all were exceedingly shocked to loose him so abruptly after a procedure he needed in the course of treatment, we are thankful he did not have a course of prolonged suffering.

Paul was predeceased by his loving parents, Joseph and Helen (Swiec) Serafin, and his dear sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Bruce Fladd and brother-in-law Eugene Clendenning.

He is survived by the love of his life, Nora (Clendenning) Serafin, to whom he was devoted for 54 wonderful years of marriage. They were married at St. Monica’s church in Rochester, NY on September 12^th, 1970 on a sunny autumn day.

Together, they built a life full of love and laughter, raising three children: Michael Serafin (wife Tina), Christine King (husband Jim), and Brian Serafin (wife Anita).

Paul’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his seven adoring grandchildren that with pride he called his “Magnificent 7”: Kara, Gavin, Carter, Nathan, Trevor, Melanie, and Alivia. He was their unwavering champion, storyteller, weather reporter, and the warm embrace that made every moment brighter.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law Kaye Meehan and brother-in-law John Clendenning, sister-in-law Colleen Clendenning and cousins Mary Lardner and Patty Restall and dear friend Judy Makowiecki and many nieces and nephews and other extended family members and cherished friends.

A proud son of Rochester NY, Paul attended Saint Stanislaus and the Aquinas Institute, before heading to Michigan State University, where he earned his business degree in 1965 and became a lifelong Spartan. His career as a successful insurance salesman spanned many years, but it was his “retirement” role as a full-time grandpa and caregiver that became his true calling. Whether he was playing polka music in the car’s row C or exclaiming “wow wow wubbzy!” to every new surprise, Paul’s comedic charm for life was contagious.

We fondly recall how every time we took photos together he could not stop talking! He often would say when getting ready for a photo: “1, 2, 3 cheeseburger” which would make us all laugh and smile and then have to tell him to stop talking and just smile for the photo!!

Another Paulism was saying: “What’s the word?” which typically whoever he was asking were not sure how to respond!

Known for his boundless cheer and sharp sense of humor, Paul was an unwavering fan of the Buffalo Bills and Michigan State Spartans, never missing a game. Chatting with both his sons, Michael and Brian about sports games and going to sporting games with them was always a highlight for him! He relished time spent outdoors, whether on the golf course or boating with family on sunny afternoons. In the recent years, he enjoyed getting out for a daily walk at Center Park or Eastview Mall or the Perinton Recreation Center.

Paul and his wife Nora loved to travel. They enjoyed camping in their motorhome with their young family and then boating and camping on their cuddy cabin boat often in the 1000 Islands area. Paul and Nora loved to travel to California twice a year to spend time with their son Michael and their family.

Paul enjoyed sharing his Polish heritage with his family and sharing stories of growing up eating delicious Polish dishes that often were prepared by his mother Helen. Nothing brought a smile to his face quite like a good pierogi. He loved to Polka dance! One of his favorites was Polka dancing with his daughter Christine through the years at family weddings. Christine can lovingly attest it was quite the experience to briskly Polka around the dance floor with her father.  

Paul Serafin was a man who radiated joy, warmth, and love, putting his family and friends at the center of everything he did. He will be sorely, sorely missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through the countless cherished memories he leaves behind and in the way that each and every one touched by Paul’s love will carry that love with them.

Rest in peace, Papa. We will carry your love, laughter, and Spartan spirit with us always.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s name to the American Cancer Society.

No prior Calling Hours. Funeral Mass Friday November 15, 2024 1PM at St. John of Rochester Church 8 Wickford Way, Fairport. The mass will also be livestreamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming.

There will be a celebration of life gathering immediately following the mass at Dolomite Lodge,1628 Jackson Rd in Penfield, NY.