Joseph C. Serafino

Joseph Carmen Serafino, age 93, of Elkhart passed away Friday, March 5, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born April 4, 1927 in Elkhart, IN to Anthony and Mary Serafino. He married Lila Lorrain Patanelli on May 26, 1951 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Elkhart.

Joe graduated from Elkhart High School class of 1945 and he graduated from Valparaiso Technical Institute in 1948. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy during WWII, where he received the WWII victory medal. In his youth he worked for Studebaker Corporation. He furthered his career as assistant controller at Skyline Corporation for 29 years. After retirement he and his wife assisted families with estate sales. Joe enjoyed being in the antique radio club with his son, Michael, and dabbling in stocks with the stock club where their motto was, “buy ’em low and sell ‘em high.” He is a parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bristol. He is a member the American Legion in Bristol and a former member of the Elkhart Moose Lodge #599. Joe was very generous in giving to his family and numerous charities.

Joe is survived by his wife Lila, of 70 years; their children, Cynthia Amos of Elkhart, Claudia (Bob) Mornar of Bristol and Michael (Theresa) Serafino of Elkhart; his grandchildren, Rachael (Larry) Hooley of Elkhart, Cullen (Danelle) Nance of Indianapolis, John Serafino of Elkhart and Liza Serafino of Bloomington, IN., his sister-in-law Betty Ann Serafino of Elkhart, and aunt, Dolores Patanelli of Elkhart and his nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Frank Serafino, Carmen Serafino, Viola Cattell and Gloria Serafino and his son-in-law, John Amos.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 where the rosary will be prayed at 6:30pm at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am Wednesday, March 10, 2021at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 411 W. Vistula St., Bristol, IN 46507 with Fr. Bob Van Kempen officiating where friends may visit with family one hour before mass. Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery, Elkhart.

In lieu of flowers memorials in memory of Joe may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Heart to Heart Hospice, 620 West Edison Road, Unit 122, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com The Serafino family would like to share a special “Thanks !” to Michelle, Janeen and Heart to Heart Hospice for all of their love and support for Joe.