Frank asked me to take pictures of his wedding, which I was happy to do.  He took me aside and gave me precise instructions regarding where I was to be placed and what pictures he wanted.  He knew what he wanted and I was pleased to be able to participate and view the wedding from a whole new perspective.   Frank was pleased and so was I.  Family is fantastic.

I met Frank at the National Archives & Records Administration.   He, Sandy Smith, Howard Feng , and I would sometimes have lunch together.  It was always a good time to be with him.  Frank always seemed to be able to put situations in a proper perspective.  He was a kind, gentle, sensitive person.  He had a good sense of humor.  He was a remarkable person.  He loved his Pittsburg Steelers.  

I have warm memories of him.  I am very sorry for his passing.  We all learned much form him.  May he rest in peace.

I 

Frank was a wonderful brother.   He was inspiring to us most of the time.   As children he had to persevere in the physical activities that came easily to the rest of us.  He never complained, but always had a independence to do things himself.  Sometime it took extra time when we would like to have done something for him just so we could get on with it.   He completed his Bachelor’s Degree at California U in 4 years, and tried Law School at SMU but physically could not navigate his personal necessities and the vastness of that Texas campus. That did not deter him.  So he came back to Pittsburgh for his Masters Degree and PhD.  His tenure at the Archives speaks for itself.  He will be missed

Dear Serene Family,
We wanted to express our deepest most heart felt sympathy on the passing Frank. May you hold your beautiful memories close to your heart and find peace. God Bless 

Michelle Cannataro Gennarelli and Family 

Michael and Daniel,

Our deepest sympathy's for you and the rest of the Serene family.  May God be with you at this difficult time.  

Our love and prayers are with you,

Mary Shushok Chancey, Cecilia Shushok Childers, and Charlene Chancey Edmunds 

My condolences to the Serene Family.  Frank was an amazing person. I never once heard him complain about his physical condition.  He was tougher then anyone I ever met.  My fondness memory was the day he rode his first mobility scooter. I followed him on my bike and it was a good five mile run. He was like a kid on their first bike, all smiles. Thank you Frank for being an inspiration to me and others on how to handle life’s hard knocks.  
I will miss you ! 

I   was number three of the Serene brothers , and did not fully realize the strength and depth of Frank's courage and determination  until I was into adulthood.   
Going away to school, earning a PhD. ,working as an archivist at The National Archives, raising a family, acting as a consultant to public transportation, all while physically unable to perform tasks which most of us take for granted. Unable to drive he rode his electric scooter and public transportation even when it snowed.  The list goes on.    None of us could complain when we thought our lives were difficult.    Thank you brother, for your drive and inspiration.                   

My wife  and I also have fond memories of
Frank and his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to be one of the guys at the TKE house and also the smartest. We share your sadness for the loss of our dear brother.

YITB John [JZ] Zavage and Elaine [Spadafore] Zavage




Born in 1948, I was the youngest of the four brothers. Despite Frank's spastic hands, lilting walking gait, and his speech impediment, I have many memories of Frank's determination to function in the world of those without a handicap. I remember: him pulling a wagon full of newspapers to his stand at National Electric Co., ; cutting lawns using a rotary push mower; countless hours typing one letter at a time; drinking beer at the TKE fraternity; his wedding to Theresa; his long arduous public transportation commute to and from the National Archives; his efforts at the Archives to help others with disabilities; and his laughter at jokes, especially puns.  We'll miss you Frank. See you on the other side brother.  Jim


Hi Jim, It’s been a number of years since I retired and have been involved in the profession and I had to think a bit, but when I looked closely at the bench, it came back to me. I checked with a friend from NARA to be sure and I was right. Frank was amazing to me. I saw him at many meetings and he struggled to put together questions and share ideas but they were worth the wait. He didn’t let his physical challenges get in the way of his participation in the profession and I admired that greatly. The bench is a beautiful memorial; it’s sad to think of another loss to COVID. Thanks for letting me know, Lee

 Lee Stout - Head archivist for Penn State University

Dear James,

My name is Darlene McClurkin, and I worked with your brother Frank at the National Archives. National Archives Deputy Archivist Debra Wall wrote me about Frank and gave me your email address, so I hope you don't mind me contacting you to express my condolences. I'm so sorry to hear about Frank's passing and send my most sincere sympathy.

I first met Frank when both he and I worked in the Motion Picture and Sound Recording section at the National Archives years ago. Although I later worked at the downtown National Archives building, I would occasionally see Frank whenever I conducted research at the Archives 2 building. I was always glad to see him and catch up at lunch.

I'll always remember and miss the great conversations Frank and I had, as well as his intelligence, wit, and kindness.

In deepest sympathy,
Darlene McClurkin
Silver Spring, MD

I knew Frank from the National Archives at College Park. We didn't work together but would  pass in the hall, and he was one of the kindest, warmest people I've ever met. 

Frank  always stopped, smiled, asked me how I was, and took a genuine interest. I didn't know him well, but those hallway encounters made my day a bit brighter -- and for that I am truly grateful. I know he touched others in the same way.

I was so sorry to hear about his loss.  He was a kind, gentle soul.  And will be missed. 


My husband and I were just thinking about Frank this morning and I did a quick search and was saddened to find his obituary.   I worked with Frank at the National Archives and I admired him so much for his love for his work and family.
So sorry for your loss.    May he Rest In Peace.

Cindy Cutright

OBITUARY

Frank Huff Serene

September 20, 1941 – December 10, 2020

Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc.

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