Samuel Vincent Serio

Samuel (Sam) Vincent Serio of Oxford, Florida passed away with his beloved wife and daughters by his side on April 13, 2025, at the age of 92. Sam was born to parents Vincent and Katherine Serio, on October 18, 1932, in Beaumont, Texas. He moved with his parents and older sister to Galveston, Texas at a young age, where he spent most of his life.

Sam graduated from Kirwin High School, Galveston, Texas and attended University of Houston, Houston, Texas. Sam proudly served his country in the Army during the Korean War from September 1954 until July 1956. After his time in the Army, he began working in sales and marketing, specifically the jewelry industry with a major jewelry store. From 1966 to 1970, Sam with his father and wife, Nina owned and operated Serio’s Jewelers in Galveston. After that time, he enjoyed traveling as a jewelry sales representative throughout the states and the Caribbean islands.

A devout Catholic, Sam was a faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Galveston. He was a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. He was an avid reader, and his children were never allowed to say they were bored – he would hand them a book…including an encyclopedia. He loved cooking and at the end of his life – coming out of retirement he opened a restaurant with his wife Nina and his youngest daughter. Cedar Street Hamburger Palace, where he was fondly known as the “greeter”.

Sam is preceded in death by his father, Vincent Serio, mother, Katherine Asta Serio, sisters Delores Moor and Cheryl Carlson and only son, Vincent Serio.

His true passion in life was the love of his life, Nina Jo Tollett Serio, who survives him. They were together for 75 years, married for 68 years. One of his favorite things was holding her hand. He is survived by his daughters, Sharyn Wood (Vann), Susanne McCalla (Dave), and Sami. His sister, Vivian Renfrow. Grandchildren, Michaelangelo Serio (Pamella), Megan Murphy (Saxon), Vincent Serio, Steven Serio, Miles Wood (Laura), Colton Serio (Megan), Kenneth McCalla (McKenzie), Amber McCalla and Colby Serio. Great grandchildren, Romeo Serio, Sophia Serio, Jaxon Murphy, Jonah Murphy, Stella McCalla, Riley Serio, Gianna Serio, Julian Murphy, Sage McCalla, and Emily Serio. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, Bill (Finley) and Leslie Fraley, Charlie and Joan Killebrew and cherished friends.

The family would like to thank Mission Oaks Assisted Living Facility and Cornerstone Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in his final days. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 5323 E. CR462, Wildwood FL 34785 on June 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. A special thank you to Louise Brace who will be sharing her beautiful voice at Sam’s funeral service. Following the service, Sam will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery located at 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL 33513 at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sam’s honor to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation at 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778, or www.donate.cshospice.org or call Brenda at 352-742-6861.