It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jay Serpe, on March 21, 2025, at the University of Chicago Hospital. Jay was born on August 17, 1955, in Kenosha, WI to Eugene and Bernice (Merritt) Serpe. He was educated in Kenosha schools and then went on to earn his degree in Business.
Jay dedicated himself to working for Snap On Tools for 47 years, retiring as a Product Manager of Tool Storage in 2024. Jay loved his job. He was able to use his creative gifts as well as his sharp mind in the development of successful new products, which brought him a sense of great accomplishment.
In his younger years, Jay loved coin collecting, fishing, and playing baseball. He would be up and out of the house early in the morning to practice his swinging and went on to play a whole lot of softball with a great group of friends.
During this time, Jay met the girl who would stand by him for the next 49 years. He became the best husband and father there could be. Our hearts are hurting, but not broken. We will see Jay again and that’s because of the hope we have. At 23 years old, Jay answered the call of Christ and committed to follow Him all the days of his life. Each day he devoted himself to growing in the knowledge and love of God, sharing it with friends and family, and serving in his local church and jail ministries. His faith in God persevered to the very end. Jay has received the prize of eternal life with his Lord and Savior.
Jay was husband to Theresa, Dad to Jamie Serpe, Katelyn (Jason) DeBruin, and Laena (Mark) Mueller and Papa to Ionie, Aurora, Quinn, Rhys, Penelope, Georgia and Otto. He is further survived by his father and mother, Eugene and Bernice (Merritt) Serpe and sisters Jean (Joe) Smith and Jill (Joe) Falduto.
A celebration for Jay will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Missio Dei Fellowship (5214 47th Ave, Kenosha) with visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. and a memorial service at 3 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to gather for refreshments after the service.
