Donald Michael Serpa

I was born September 17, 1934, in our old farmhouse, north of Visalia. My parents were Tony Serpa Jr. and Ethel Serpa. In my childhood, the love of my life was my grandmother, Mary Serpa I attended Elbow Creek Elementary School through the eighth grade, and graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 1952. My brother, Rolland, cousins, Geraldine Lopes, Arnold Rocha and I had wonderful times growing up on the Farm. I left this world to be with my Lord, July 3,2023. At age 15, my father was able to find a job for me in Lash's Market as a meat cutter trainee. From there I went to Parish's Market (which is now Rosa's Italian Restaurant). I worked at Young's Market on Mooney Blvd, and from there I helped to open the first Best Buy Market on Houston Avenue. I became the manager of the meat department and when Max Norton and partners opened the Best Buy Market on Giddings, I was the meat department manager as well. Leonard Whiney opened the Food 4 Less markets and purchased Best Buy Market. I became the meat buyer/supervisor for that chain. I retired from the meat industry in October of 1999. In June of 2000, I worked for the Frank Serpa Automotive Group, until retiring for good in 2001. In 1954, I married Janice Ezell and in 1955, we had beautiful twin daughters. Unfortunately, in 1959 my marriage was ended. I was interested in race car activities and that became my ambition and hobby for many years. I won several trophy's and my world centered around racing and fast cars. In 1969 I met the love of my life, Carol. She became the partner that I needed in my life. We were married in 1970 and spent 53 wonderful years together. Carol was responsible for my return to the church and rekindling my Catholic faith and God. I was an usher at St. Mary's Catholic church for many years until my health began to fail. Carol and I went on great vacations and trips. Florida, Missouri, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, and the coast. We attended Portuguese Festas and celebrity concerts, but our passion was to attend dances and we both loved to dance. I have been an animal lover for most of my life. Each one gave me so much pleasure in each of their lifetimes. I leave behind my new baby Kiki, an Australian Sheppard red tri. I want to thank my devoted caregivers, Patricia Guzman, Lucy Cruz and Justin Velasquez along with my wonderful wife Carol for the loving care and attention given to me the final days of my life. I was preceded in death by my parents, brother Rollie Serpa, daughter Stacie Velasquez, ex-wife Janice Ezell and sister-in-law Shirley Taylor. I am survived by my wife, Carol, twin daughters, Donna (Rick) West, Debbie (Tom) Bryan, Grandchildren, Jason Bryan, Josh (Erin) Bryan, Jared (Ashley) Jones, Jackie (Shannon) Siegenthaler and Justin (Tiffany) Velasquez. Great grandchildren, Aiden and Madden Bryan, Greyson Bryan, Goldie and Geri Siegenthaler, Raymond and Abbie Jones and Vincent and Aubrey Velasquez. I have entrusted my services to Steve Dillard of Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. The Rosary will be prayed Monday, July 17, 2023 at 6pm at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, CA. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday. July 18, 2023 at 10:30am at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Visalia District Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Salser and Dillard and memorial gifts to the donors favorite charity.

Donald Michael Serpa

September 17, 1934 - July 3, 2023