John Joseph Serenci

John Joseph Serenci passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by service, unwavering devotion to family, and a long career supporting the communications systems that connect the world.

John was born on August 7, 1944, in Chatham, New Brunswick, Canada, to New Zealand Air Force pilot Albert Frederick Walker and Canadian resident Mary Clancy. As an infant, he was lovingly adopted by his aunt Eileen Serenci and her husband John Michael Serenci. He was raised in Hempstead on Long Island, New York.

In 1962, John answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force, where he served honorably as an Airman and trained as a Medical Service Specialist. His service included assignments at Andrews Air Force Base and Wheelus Air Force Base in Tripoli, Libya during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, John began a long and dedicated career in the telecommunications industry. He worked for BellSouth or AT&T throughout his entire professional life, beginning in New York and eventually continuing his career in South Florida, before retiring after many years.

In 1968, John married Christine Ashton in New York. Together they raised three children: Jack, Kerry, and Andrea. In 1998, John married Eugenia Avey, and he warmly welcomed her daughter Brittney into the family.

John is survived by his loving wife, Eugenia Serenci; his children Jack Serenci and his wife Renee, Kerry Kelley and her husband Bob, and Andrea Thomas; and his stepdaughter Brittney Rushing and her husband Steven. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Logan Howard, Christian Howard, Piper Serenci, Nathan Thomas, and Sydney Thomas, as well as his great-grandchild Novi Howard. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Jacob Matthew Thomas.

He was a proud and devoted grandfather, affectionately known as “Pop,” and rarely missed a grandchild’s baseball game, dance recital, swim meet, or practice. Supporting and celebrating his family was one of the greatest joys of his life.

John was a proud Irishman and an active member of his community. He served as President of the Bal Harbour Rotary Club and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He had a deep love for golf, faithfully followed the New York Yankees and New York Jets, and enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, where he especially loved listening to the music of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.

Known for his quick wit and constant jokes, John had a gift for making people laugh and was truly a friend to all. Those who knew him often said he never spoke a bad word about anyone. He was deeply loved and respected by everyone who crossed his path.

At home, John was famous for his traditions in the kitchen, including his beloved “Egg McJohn’s” breakfast sandwiches and his special Christmas morning pancakes — meals that his family will forever associate with laughter, warmth, and time together.

Visitation and wake services will be held at Serenity Funeral Home in North Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday, March 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 at St. Coleman Catholic Church in Pompano Beach, Florida, followed by a funeral procession and burial at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery in North Lauderdale, Florida.

John’s life was one of kindness, service, humor, and deep love for his family. He will be greatly missed, but the joy, laughter, and traditions he created will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.