Aldon (Aldo) was born on June 5, 1921, in Villa, Bleggio, Italy, to the late Angelo and Giuseppina (Cornella) Serafini. Aldo moved with his family to New York City at a young age, where they settled in Brooklyn before later moving to Somerset County, New Jersey.
A proud Veteran of World War II, Aldo served in the United States Navy during the war, as well as in the Naval Active Reserve, from 1948 through 1969. He attended Penn State University under the Naval V-12 Officer Training Program, earning his degree in Psychology. Aldo met Edith (Nancy) Strawbridge at Selected Risks Insurance Company in Branchville and they married in the United Methodist Church on November 1, 1947. They settled in Branchville and built their own home, living in that home to the present day.
He became an active and respected member of the community, known for his strong values and unwavering dedication in serving his community and nation. Aldo marched in Branchville’s Memorial Day Parade for decades, serving as the Master of Ceremonies as well, always honoring his dear friends who fought and died in WWII. He was a former member of the Frankford Township School Board of Education and served as the Frankford Township Treasurer for many years. He was a Youth Fellowship Leader at the United Methodist Church in his younger days. Aldo also was a lifelong member of the Branchville American Legion Post 157, including time serving as Post Commander
Aldo worked at the (now) Selective Insurance Company for 43 years, retiring in 1984 as a Vice President. In 2017, he was honored as the Sussex County Senior Citizen of the Year. For over 80 years, Aldo volunteered with the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show (NJ State Fair), lending his time and energy to its’ success; since 2011, he enthusiastically opened the Fair each year with his well-known Rooster Crow! Aldo also took great pride in his prolific vegetable garden, sharing its’ bounty with his many friends and neighbors. He found great joy in working and nurturing the land. In the tradition of his father, Aldo always tried to make the world a better place for all, with his many heartfelt stories and selfless deeds.
Aldo is survived by his loving wife of 77 years, Edith (Nancy) Sayre, his children, Judith Shelton (William), Brian Sayre (Wendy) and Karen Kovacs (William F.); his grandchildren, Lauren Kovacs (Eric Liberman), Scott Shelton (Karen Rossmassler), William G. Kovacs (Diana), Jeffrey Sayre, Drew Shelton (Taylor), and Jonathan Sayre (Michelle), and his great-grandchildren, Emma and Jake Liberman, Leah Shelton, and William G. Kovacs, Jr. Along with his parents, Aldo was predeceased by his siblings, Angelina Neal and Ned Serafini.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, Aldo’s wishes are for contributions to be made to the American Legion Post 157 at P.O. Box 536, Branchville, New Jersey 07826, or to The NJ State Fair – Sussex County Farm and Horse Show at P.O. Box 2456, Branchville, New Jersey 07826.
