Suzanne Colella Serino's Obituary
Suzanne “Sue” Colella Serino passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Pinehurst, North Carolina. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Sue will be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends, and for her unique talent in making everyone feel special and loved, even strangers. She was lavish with her praise, generous with her attention, and endlessly loyal and supportive whenever it was most needed.
Her spectacular sense of style and beauty was legendary; when she entered a room, everyone noticed. No one who has met Sue will forget her.
Born in Syracuse, NY on November 27, 1930, Sue channeled her love of fashion into a career as a buyer, first at Addis Co. when she was a 16-year-old at Eastwood High, and later at Goldberg’s in Rome, NY, where she moved after she married. She also volunteered for the American National Red Cross, served as a publicity chairman for the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, and was an active member and fundraiser for the Sequoia Twig Group. When she returned to Syracuse after more than 50 years in Rome, she worked with her brother, Nicholas, at Colella Galleries. Throughout her life Sue loved to dance, especially to her nephew, Stan Colella’s Orchestra. Her smooth steps and elegant figure on the dance floor will be dearly missed.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Judge Joseph Serino of Rome, NY, and her eight siblings, all of Syracuse, NY: Anthony Colella, Michael Colella, Nicholas Colella, Stanley Colella, Gemma Rossi, Rachel DiZazzo, Fenora Knapp, and Clara Sperato.
Sue is survived by her two daughters, M. Jane Williamson (Gary) and Debra Serino Brenner, both of Pinehurst, North Carolina; her son, Joseph Serino, Jr (Meg) of Westport, Connecticut; seven grandchildren, Ryan Williamson, Maxwell Brenner, Ariana Clerkin (Connor), Tara Brenner, Joseph Serino III, Maeve Serino, and Claudia Serino; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9:15 am – 10:45 am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church, followed by a funeral Mass in celebration of Suzanne’s life at 11:00 am at the church, 259 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY, with entombment in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum, Syracuse, NY.
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