Robert Wayne Serra

On November 30, 2011, Bob as he was called, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s nursing home where he was a resident. He was the son of the late Louise (Martin) Serra and Joseph Serra. He is survived by his son Kyle Serra, an older brother, James (Sonny) Serra, and three sisters, Beedy Gray of Akwesasne, Barbara and Norma, and by many cousins, nieces and a nephew. He was born February 10, 1941 in Brooklyn NY and was raised in Queens, NY, but he and his family visited Akwesasne often. When in Akwesasne, they mostly stayed down Sugarbush Island in Snye with his Great Aunt Hattie and Uncle Joe Mitchell.

He served in the army for 2 years back in 1960 to 1962. He was a painter by trade, and was known as Bob the Painter. He was the lead guitarist with his sister Barbara in a band called The Resounders back in the 1960’s. He recorded a record (a song he wrote) with a recording studio back in 1965, but it was at the same time as the Beatles were hitting the charts, which dampened his opportunity. He still enjoyed jam sessions with his family and his many relatives and friends here at Akwesasne. Unfortunately, by 1989, his alcoholism took its toll, which led to a divorce.

When he was down and out, his brother-in-law, Big John Kopp called to offer him construction work and a place to live in Saranac, NY - he accepted the offer. He still drank, but his sister Barbara Kopp, in 1990, helped to get him to the Partridge House here at Akwesasne. He got help and had been sober ever since. His favorite song became, “One Day at a Time,” which he sang at his son’s wedding in Australia. In 1995 Bob had kidney failure, and in 2005 he had a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, in 2007, he had a very bad car accident where he was flown to Burlington by helicopter. Because of complications while in the hospital and medicines given to save his life, his kidney slowly lost its function and by 2009 he was back on dialysis and weaned off the anti rejection medication.

Bob always had a sense of humor. When his son was visiting with him, he mentioned he had to work the next day. Bob said “I don’t have to work tomorrow; every day is a vacation here.” The staff at CVPH called him Dr. Bob, because he would give them advice, which surprisingly was correct. Bob’s health was always on a fine line after his kidney failure. He had a heart condition, lung condition, years of dialysis and a bad car accident along with a bad reaction from medications, but he was always cheerful and he will be deeply missed by all. Bob was waked in Plattsburgh and a private ceremony and burial took place in Saranac, NY on December 5, 2011.