Steven "Steve" Richard Serletis

Steven "Steve" Richard Serletis, 99, of Raleigh, NC passed peacefully at home on August 15, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He will be missed as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He selflessly loved and served his family, friends, and community and was an integral member of his Church community. Even into his 100th year, Steve was active and engaged, and always on the go.

He was born in New York City in 1926, the second child of parents Peter and Anastasia Serletis. As a young man, Steve loved exploring the city with a close group of neighborhood friends who together played basketball and football, and swam. Steve was an avid sports fan. As a boy, he cheered the NY football Giants at the Polo Grounds and attended baseball games at Yankee Stadium. He was also an avid fan of the Carolina Hurricanes and he was a lifelong sports fan of the NC State Wolfpack.

Like most young men of his generation, Steve volunteered to serve during World War II. Right out of high school, at 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Philippines on a motor torpedo (PT) boat, Squadron 20. During his tour of duty until 1946, he learned many practical skills as an Electrician’s Mate, which spurred his interest in engineering.

After an honorable discharge, Steve enrolled at NC State University on the GI Bill and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. While a student, Steve met his wife of 74 years, Raleigh-native Roxanne Vallas. They married in 1952 and ultimately settled in Westchester County, New York, where they raised their three children. Steve worked at Bechtel Corporation for 23 years as a Project Manager in mechanical engineering. He designed and managed the construction of domestic and foreign plant facilities. He loved his work and the friendships he developed over the years with his colleagues. His work took him to international destinations, including France, Algeria, and Indonesia.

Steve moved the family to Raleigh in 1972 to start a land development venture and continued to travel throughout the United States and globally as an engineer. After retiring from Bechtel, he applied the practical skills he learned from his father, the Navy, and as an engineer to launch a career as a homebuilder and developer. He built high-quality custom homes in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. He earned the trust and gratitude of his clients with his personal attention and hands-on and detailed approach.

Steve was a proud member of the Greek community in Raleigh. He passed on the day that is revered by the Greek Orthodox faith, which commemorates the dormition (falling asleep) of the Virgin Mary. He actively served his church community at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church, including as a member of the Parish Council, various committees, and the AHEPA.

Steve is survived by his wife Roxanne Serletis and their children William Serletis, Johanna (James) Irving, and George (Tracy Quilter) Serletis, grandchildren, Collin (Allison) Irving, Steven Irving, Ellen Serletis, and Matthew Serletis, and great granddaughters Blythe and Frances Irving. His sister, Vasiliki “Kiki” Spanos predeceased him.

The Family will have a Visitation at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh, NC 27612 on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm (Trisagion service at 6pm).

Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity on Thursday, August 20th, at 12:30 pm. A graveside will immediately follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington St, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Steve’s memory to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Capital Campaign fund, https://www.holytrinitycapitalcampaign.com/; or Transitions LifeCare: https://www.transitionslifecare.org/

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Serletis family.