Obituary of Charles F. Serway

Charles F. Serway, 46, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at home with his family surrounding his bedside May 25, 2016. Born in Rome, NY on December 21, 1969, Charles was raised in Fish Creek Landing. He graduated from Camden Central High School in 1988 and went on to attend Utica College where he was an active member of Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity studying business administration. His ultimate goal was to operate his family business, Serway Cabinet Manufacturing located in Rome, NY. In 1991, his junior year in college, Charles left school suddenly after being involved in a devastating motor vehicle accident which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. His life was forever changed that day, though his will to live never did. His physical progress was due in part to the love and support of his long time friend, Michelle Barry, of Fayetteville. Once well enough after his accident, Charles became one of the founding members of the David Clark Learning Center; named in honor of the late David Clark and employee of The Centers of St. Camillus whose passion and dedication was to helping those with a traumatic brain injury. Charles spent at least three days a week at that center with all of his friends and staff and played the high hat in the David Clark 10 band Charles loved to paint and was once featured on the cover of an arts and literary magazine, UNIQUE, which published annually highlighting community members who faced various challenges. His painting advisor, Steve Healy, became his confidant and inspirational friend. Charles loved to get up and go away for any reason, including his most recent trip to the Bahamas where he lived his lifelong dream of swimming with dolphins. He loved to travel to Albany on occasion to visit his best friend and soul mate, David Guistina and his wife, Karen Pirozzi. His long time caregiver of over 20 years, Kim Hyde, treated him like her son and stayed by his side until his last breath. She was with him 5 days a week which including taking him on his vacations. He had many caregivers over the years who worked diligently to improve his stamina and increase focus. He was predeceased by his father John F. Serway and his godmother, Sophie Pelose. He is survived by his dedicated sister, Laura Serway and her wife, Cindy Seymour, his mother, Leola Serway of Jensen Beach, Florida and other half brothers and sister, uncles, aunts and many cousins. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, June 1 at 9AM in Blessed Sacrament Church. Private burial will be in Rome Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday from 3-7pm at the Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home, 3111 James Street, Syracuse. Contributions in Charles’ memory may be made to The Centers at St. Camillus ( www.st-camillus.org/support), 813 Fay Road, Syracuse 13219 or to the David Clark Learning Center (www.accesscny.org), 610 N. State St. Syracuse, 13203.