Rudolph & Betty Serio

that home. It was just that good." That's how my grandfather described his childhood to me a

few years ago. His beautiful words sent me on a journey to learn as much as I could about his

life and I'd love to share some of it with you. My grandfather, Rudolph Anthony Serio, was born

on July 8, 1933 in Morganza, Louisiana. He was so proud to be the son of Frank & Marie Serio

and loved telling people he was the youngest of 9 children. It’s something he regularly told

people for all 87 years of his life. Since he was related to more than half of the town, he spent

his childhood running the streets of Morganza with his best friends who were also his cousins.

Some of his fondest memories were playing basketball at his dad's service station before

school, hiding under the house so he wouldn't have to go to school, ordering plate lunches at

Melancon's Cafe, riding in the grocery truck with his grandmother "Madam Charlie" and his

Uncle Joe, helping work at his Uncle Johnny's picture show, taking his dad’s car out on the

weekends, watching poker games in the local bars, singing in the St. Ann's choir as well as the

Morganza High Glee Club, and fishing in the "bar pits". Just before his senior year, he met the

love of his life, Betty Jo Scarborough. They spent most of their dating days dancing at The

Cedar Club, The Lighthouse, and The Triple Arch. They were married in June of 1953 and

several months later the US Air Force sent him to the Philippine Islands. During his 18 month

tour, he missed the birth of his first child, as well as many other experiences. Our family is so

proud of my grandfather's service to our country and appreciate the personal sacrifices both of

my grandparents had to make. Not long after he was discharged from the Air Force, he and my

grandmother bought a house on Duchess Drive where they would raise all four of their children.

My mother Allyson, Aunt Lori, Uncle Lee and Uncle Lynn have such fond memories of their

childhoods and they will all tell you that it's because of their parents. In his days as a young

husband and father, my grandfather loved to visit his family in Morganza on Sundays, play golf,

coach his sons' little league football teams, take the family to False River and host barbecues

for friends and neighbors. He worked for Western Electric for 30 years and after retirement in

1983, he started a new venture. He worked for Aids to Living for the next 25 years and helped

countless people with their medical equipment needs. My grandfather loved nice cars,

vacations, and jitterbugging. He was always willing to work overtime and/or take an odd job to

help pay for these passions.

When he moved to Hickory Ridge in 1988, he joined the neighborhood association and served

as president for 25 years. The outside of his home was always manicured and the real treat

was at Christmastime. His outdoor Christmas display brought joy to everyone who saw it. In

addition to Christmas, also loved anything and everything LSU sports related, listening to his

son's oldies band play, drinking a Miller High Life on a Friday night, and anything that included

his grandchildren. Just a few years ago he survived a quintuple bypass as well as colon cancer.

But with his wife of 67 years passing away January 1, 2021, he couldn't beat this last health

challenge. On Friday, January 15th, he was able to join his wife and his daughter in heaven.

He is survived by his children Allyson (Dan) Nola, Lee (Gretchen) Serio, and Lynn (Karen)

Serio; brothers S.J. (Nora Mae) Serio, Vincent "Beaty" Serio, and Jack (Ann) Serio; in-laws Rita

Serio, Billy (Jackie) Scarborough, Don Scarborough, and Carol Bowman. 9 grandchildren and 6

great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty Jo Scarborough Serio; daughter

Lori Elizabeth Serio; parents Frank & Marie (Zito) Serio; siblings Charlie Serio, Buddy Serio,

Josephine Purpera, Annie Laurent, and Gloria Serio; granddaughter Courtney Rumery,

daughter in law Lori Soignet Serio, as well as many brother in laws, sister in laws, aunts and

uncles.

On Thursday, January 21, 2021 we will say goodbye to both my grandmother and my

grandfather as we celebrate their lives at Greenoaks Funeral Home. Visitation will be from

10AM-12PM, followed by a funeral service at 12PM. The service will be conducted by Father

Spano of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and their grandson-in-law Rev. Preston

Thompson of Redeemer Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be their grandsons and great

grandson: Jacob Nola, Tyler Serio, Zachary Serio, Joshua Serio, Jude Serio, and Daniel

Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be their great grandsons Nicholas Thompson and Loclon

Smith.