Robert Emanuel Sereda

Robert Emanuel Sereda Jan. 25, 1929 - July 15, 2012 Resident of Oakland Warm, intelligent, funny, creative, honorable. A master craftsman, an artist, a builder, a teacher, an optimist, a mentor, a best friend, a constant husband, a patient father. A renaissance man. Bob Sereda was all these and then some to his family and friends. Born on January 25, 1929 on the south side of Chicago, Bob Sereda was the second of eight children, and the oldest son. In his early years, he learned the ups and downs of entrepreneurship in his parents' busy embroidery shop in their Czech neighborhood and there, laid the foundation for his strong work ethic and skills as a businessman. When Bob was 16 years old, his father moved the entire family out West to San Leandro, California seeking a better life for his wife and children. Bob often said that was the greatest thing his father did for him. In 1952, Bob married Beverly Lagorio of San Leandro, and they raised 6 children together during 60 years of marriage. Bob was the first in his family to attend college and though Bob's college education was interrupted by a stint in the Air Force, he returned to complete his degree in architecture at UC Berkeley graduating at the top of his class. With 4 children and a new home in Oakland, Bob gave up a career opportunity to work with the well-known architect Wurster, and instead took over his father-in-law's wholesale produce business. Bob co-owned and ran with his partners Lagorio-Sereda Produce for 41 years. For nearly 30 years, he also was a licensed realtor and was consistently a top seller in his office. Bob always managed to juggle multiple projects in addition to his busy career throughout his life. He never missed an opportunity to have fun with his wife, family and friends, to teach and help his children (including with science projects for each of his 6 children one year!), to fabulously remodel the entire family home over the span of their 57 years there, even to sculpt and create art, as well as to devise wild and crazy inventions he wanted to patent. He and Bev often put on great parties for family and for their many friends that sometimes involved Bob's cooking experiments one of which included a flamb‚ed ceiling instead of a dramatic dessert. Bob loved to play the accordion and piano, which he mostly played by ear. He and Bev were long time patrons of the arts, theater and Dixieland jazz, and traveled the world. Bob loved to dance, and he and Bev were stars on the dance floor. Bob will be greatly missed by his wife Beverly, their 6 children Kathy (John Glaub), Bob (Laura), Chris, Carl, Claire and David, his 4 grandchildren Kristen (Ben Potter), Karl, Lisa and Michelle, his brothers and sisters, and many dear friends. Visitation will be Wednesday 4 pm to 8 pm with vigil at 7 pm at Guerrero/San Leandro Funeral Home, 407 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro 510-483-5300. Funeral mass will be Thursday at 10 am at St. Pascal Baylon Church, 3700 Dorisa Ave, Oakland, 510-636-0335. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob's honor to Bishop O'Dowd High School, 9800 Stearns Avenue, Oakland, CA 94605.