C. Paul Serio

He was a proud husband, father and grandfather, a loving man of conviction and character. A native of New Roads and a resident of Baton Rouge, Carmella Paul "Big Daddy" Serio passed away peacefully at his home Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, at the age of 90. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater. Shortly after returning to the States, he and his sweetheart, Lucille, married and spent the next 62 years building a beautiful life together. Paul retired from Nabisco in 1985 where he worked as a sales representative for 35 years. After retirement he enjoyed spending time at his camp on False River, where his family will forever cherish the memories he created there. Paul never met a stranger and loved to talk about his children and grandchildren. He faithfully served as usher at St. Jude Catholic Church for more than 50 years, until he became homebound. Before being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2009, Paul was an avid bike rider who led a healthy lifestyle and encouraged his family to do the same. He loved to fish, shuck oysters and show visitors his extensive collection of World War II artifacts. He loved the outdoors and the family spent many weekends fishing and crabbing in the surf at Grand Isle. He was also an avid gardener and planted his vegetables every year. More than anything, he loved his wife and his family. His grandchildren were his heart and, as young children, they all hated to leave his house after visits, so he created the "pawpaw dance," where he would dance a jig in the driveway so they would leave laughing and not crying. He is survived by his loving wife, Lucille Messina Serio; two daughters, Paulette Serio Hargroder and husband Rodney W. Hargroder, and JoAnn Serio Hollier and husband Gary P. Hollier; two sons, Jerome D. Serio, and Dennis M. Serio and wife Kristie B. Serio; daughter-in-law, Terry S. Serio; brother, Sam Serio; seven grandchildren, Leigh Hargroder Porta, Nicholas Lobianco, Lindsey Hargroder Breaux, Rachel, Logan, Grayson and Nathan Serio; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Giovanni Serio; his wife's parents, Joseph and Mary Ann Messina; and siblings Tina, Antoinette, Joe, Tony and Jimmy. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with rosary at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday, Jan. 12, from 9 a.m. until a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be James Serio, Danny Serio, Frank LeDoux, Peter Territo, Nicholas Lobianco, Neil Breaux and Wes Porta. The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to caregiver Caroline T., the wonderful staff and caregivers at Home Instead Senior Care and for the support of Hospice of Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to Alzheimer's Services, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806, Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 or a charity of your choice.