James G. Serour

Mr. James G. Serour, age 94, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with the love and support of his family. Born in Utica on October 18, 1915, James was the son of the late George and Jamila (Saco) Serour. He was raised and educated in Utica. On April 29, 1941 he married the former Frances Grzeszczuk with whom he shared 47 years prior to her passing on July 4, 1988; theirs was an old-fashioned marriage based on mutual love, devotion, and respect. For several years during his working life, James held the position of manager of the Utica Transit Authority. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing local transportation needs and providing safe, convenient, and reliable services. He later established an automotive shop on Culver Ave., and upon his retirement, he and his wife relocated to Port St. Lucie, Florida where he acquired the great job of concessions manager at Mets Stadium! James was as diligent during his working life as he was dedicated to his family life. He truly enjoyed the blessing of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a communicant of St. Basil’s Melkite Catholic Church. James is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary and Vincent N. Scialdone of Utica; his son and daughter-in-law, James, Jr. and Naomi Serour of Marcy; his grandchildren, Dr. Vincent Scialdone, Jr. and wife Carolyn of Syracuse, Stephen Scialdone of Manhattan, Rachael and Dr. John Syrotynski of New Hartford, Jessica Serour of Albany, Andrew and Natalie Serour of Rochester, and Rebecca and Travis Markley of VA; and his great-grandchildren, John, Jr., Gabriel Vincent, Nicholas Jude, Sophia, Juliana, Isabella, and Kayleigh. Survivors also include his brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Josephine Serour of Oneida, and Basil and Dorothy Serour of Port St. Lucie, FL; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Mary and Robert Dygert of Mohawk, Stella and Robert Bereza of Glens Falls, Anthony and Pearl Grzeszczuk of E. Herkimer, and Evelyn Srour of Utica. He was predeceased by his sisters and brother-in-law, Ann and Robert Dahrea, Susan and Anthony Sandouk, Marie Klockowski, Julia Srour, and Mary Srour; his brothers, Joseph G. Srour, and Michael Srour; and his in-laws, Pauline Grzeszczuk, and Stanley Grzeszczuk. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Troy neighborhood at the Masonic Care Community and Dr. Bhisham Garg, for the care and attention offered to James and his family during his illness. In keeping with James’ wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend James’ funeral service which will commence on Friday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Basil's Melkite Catholic Church where his Divine Liturgy will be celebrated. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in James’ honor to St. Basil’s Melkite Catholic Church; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

James G. Serour

October 18, 1915 - May 5, 2010