It is with great sadness that the family of James T. Serrao, 84, announces his passing on June 17, 2023, at home with his wife in N. Ft. Myers, Florida.

Jim was born October 8, 1938, the son of Manual and Ada (Bray) Serrao.

Jim graduated from A.L. Kellogg Central School in Treadwell in 1956 and was active in sports and band.

He enlisted in the United States Army 1956-1959 stationed in Massachusetts at a Nike Base.

On December 30, 1956, Jim married Shirley Hoosier in the Episcopal Church, in Unadilla, New York. They shared 66 wonderful years together.  Jim was a devoted husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters, Michele of Naples, Fla. and Patricia Fay, and husband, Michael of N. Ferrisburg, Vt.; sister, Linda Rider, husband Thomas; brother, Donald of Delaware; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Manual and his wife, Lydia.

Jim started his career in 1963 in the dairy industry in an entry-level position with a high school education at Dellwood Foods, Frasers. After working at the dairy plant for several years he developed a deep understanding of the biological process underlying the products the plant made. By retirement in 1998, he had served first as Assistant Manager, then as Plant Manager for many years. He made significant design contributions to the second plant that was built at the location with no formal education in architecture or manufacturing.

He also served as a volunteer fireman for many years in the Hamlet of Treadwell, first as Assistant Chief, then as Fire Chief while living in Treadwell with his wife and daughters.

He passed his love of sports on to his daughters with whom he played tennis and basketball. In retirement, Jim and his wife became avid tennis players in their Florida community with Jim taking on the responsibility as a team captain for many years, which he enjoyed.

Jim loved to travel, he and his wife visited many places in the world and most states in the United States.

The service to celebrate Jim's life will be 10 a.m., on Saturday, August 5, at Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz Street, Oneonta.  The service will be led by the Rev. Mark Montfort, pastor, of First Presbyterian Church.  Immediately following will be a graveside service at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Oneida St., Oneonta.

In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to Jim's favorite charities: Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Patricia Odell, 162 Co. Hwy. 58, Oneonta, NY 13820-3634 or the Harry Chapin Food Bank, 3760 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com