Alexander Joseph Serraes

Alexander J. Serraes, 94, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024. Predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Evelyn Belle, Alex is survived by his daughters Rebecca Byron, Eileen Vieira, Cynthia Cunningham, and sons, Joseph Serraes and John Jeffrey Serraes, 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, his sister, Josephine Gotwalt (Mike) of West Palm Beach, and his many nieces and nephews.

Alex was born on March 11, 1930 in Flushing, NY, and was raised in his beloved hometown of West Palm Beach, FL, where he attended St. Anne’s Catholic Church and School. Alex joined the Navy in April 1949 where he served for three years before he was Honorably discharged in 1952. He began his working career with Florida Public Utilities in West Palm Beach, where he met Evelyn. With his promotion to sales management, Alex was transferred to Sanford, FL in 1966, where he and Evelyn became active members of All Souls Catholic Church and the children attended school. Alex spent many years on various fundraising committees and school advisory board. In 1986, Alex and Evelyn joined the Church of the Annunciation Parish in Altamonte Springs, FL, where they continued their volunteering activities on various fundraising committees and Catholic charities. After leaving Florida Public Utilities in 1970, Alex continued his marketing career with Southern Bell/AT&T as national sales rep of PBX systems, (the automation of cold calling!), until his retirement in 1992. While most people look forward to retirement as their time for relaxation, travel and hobbies, Alex immediately began his next career with the Seminole State College scholarship event team. Their annual golf tournament and black-tie dinner/auction were legendary, attended by local and state dignitaries. Many student scholarships were awarded thanks to the generosity of the loyal attendees. In appreciation for his 10 years of service and fund-raising efforts, the Alex J Serraes Quasi Endowed Scholarship Fund of Seminole State College was created in his honor. Of all his awards and commendations throughout his life, Alex was most proud and honored for this recognition. After a short break to travel to Europe with Evelyn, Alex decided to “slow down” and began his next career with Baldwin Funeral Home, where he assisted grieving families through the services process, which occasionally included driving the hearse. Alex called it “escorting his guest” to their final resting place. At 93 years old, Alex retired from his last position as a volunteer financial assistance coordinator for The Society of St Vincent DePaul, Church of the Annunciation. For many years his duties included interviewing and documenting potential financial gift recipients and arranging food pick up events. Although Alex enjoyed bowling, was a scratch golfer and avid reader in his spare time, it was his work ethic and faith that was his driving force. His family has no doubt Alex is in heaven looking for his next project!

A private, family Mass will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church, with a private inurnment immediately following. A Celebration of Life open to all of Alex’s family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Café Muranos, located at 309 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Society of St Vincent DePaul in care of Annunciation Catholic Church would be most kind. Arrangements by Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel, Sanford, FL.