Jan Serra: Firefighters Bell Tower Architect

Jan is shown accepting a certificate of appreciation from Councilman Angelo Delligatti in 1985 while incoming Massapequa Chamber of Commerce president Pete Gisonda looks on. Lifelong Massapequa resident and co-designer of the Firefighters Bell Tower in Massapequa Park, Jan Serra, died August 28, 2007. She was 83 years old.

Born 1924 in Massapequa, and graduate of its school system, she designed the Firefighters memorial, which was erected in 1986 on Park Boulevard and Sunrise Highway in Massapequa Park. She and her good friend Robert S. Thompson, former mayor of Massapequa Park, co-chaired the community effort to raise funds for both the tower and a time capsule. The time capsule was buried at the same location and will be opened on July 4, 2076.

Mrs. Serra served as president of the Chamber of Commerce in 1984, was active in the Historical Society, Republican Club, AARP and the New York State American Institute of Architects.

During her professional career running Serra Architects with her husband and partner Mario, she is credited with designing and building projects as near as Amityville and throughout Long Island and as far away as Florida, Iran, and Japan. Remodeling restaurants and home improvements were also in their realm of expertise.

In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, cooking, writing poetry and attending lectures and trade shows with her husband.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Ernest Mario; her sisters: Harriet and Karen; and her close cousin, Ann Meyer.

A religious service was held at the Charles G. Schmitt Funeral Home in Seaford followed by interment at the Old Grace Church Cemetery at Merrick Road in Massapequa. Obituary notices are printed without charge, as space permits. Family members and funeral directors may submit obituary notices to us at 1045 Park Blvd. MPK, 11726 or may call (631) 264-0077. We will also consider publishing clear black and white or color photographs with the articles. Photographs are kept on file at our offices by date of publication and may be picked up at your convenience.