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In Loving Memory of

Alvin Serota

July 27th, 2020

Obituary

Alvin Serota, 86, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away Monday, July 27, 2020, at his home. Alvin ("Al") was born on March 25, 1934, to the late Joseph and Gloria (Klein) Serota in Chicago, Illinois, one of five children. He spent his childhood years in Chicago, raised his family in Skokie, Illinois, and retired in 1993 to Las Vegas, Nevada. Alongside his beloved wife, he spent the last four years in mid-Missouri in order to be closer to their daughter.
Al valued two things most in life: his family and his education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (Education) from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, specifically Social Studies/History with a Secondary Education focus. He played on the football team at NIU. Al continued his educational pursuits and obtained a Master's Degree-plus additional hours in Political Science at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Illinois. He also served during the time of the Korean War at the Naval Air Station in Glenview, Illinois as well as the Naval Air Station in Grosse Ile, Michigan. He was a Navy boxer during his service.

On December 21, 1958, he married the love of his life, Beverly and from that union, they were blessed with three children; Susan, Ronald (deceased), and Lee-Bryan (Lana).
Al began his employment as an educator at John Marshall High School with the Chicago Public Schools and worked in education for 35 years. He was instrumental not only as a teacher, but forged progressive changes in the educational system, which benefited all staffers who profited with increased salaries, benefits, and a more positive work environment. Significantly, he was the point-man to the Governor of Illinois representing the Chicago Teacher's Union, a powerful organization that initiated tremendous change for teachers. Al also lead the Niles Township volunteers; in addition, he became one of the founding fathers of Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Al was a hero of his community when he zealously advocated to prevent Group "W" Westinghouse Electric Corporation from placing a huge commercial satellite dish in the middle of their residential neighborhood. He always had an entrepreneurial spirit and was the founder and CEO of a family-owned business that hired not only family members, but friends and fellow teachers. One of the many special traits he had, along with his very dry sense of humor, was that he was blessed with a true photographic memory. He could recall even the most specific detail, oftentimes of historical and sports events. For example, if you asked him who won the World Series in 1942, he would tell you not only the team, but the specific players who played in the games, including who pitched the games. If you asked him about an event in history, he could tell you not only who was President at the time, but who was in his Cabinet as well. Al was a devoted Cubs fan, and especially enjoyed wearing Cubs t-shirts and hats around the St. Louis Cardinals fans at his first retirement village in CoMo. An avid and seriously skilled poker player (Texas holdem), Al once even played in the World Series of Poker.

Survived by his loving wife, Beverly (Brown), and his children, are four grandchildren: Leah (Chris) Squatritto, Aaron, Simone, and Benita, as well as two great-grandchildren: Ryan and Evan. He is also survived by beloved siblings: Harry (Lorraine) Serota, Roselle (Billy) Friedman, Sandra (Owen) Rennert, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Norman and his son Ronald.

Just like the rest of his siblings, Al never met a dog who he didn't love. Memorials are suggested to your local animal shelter, and the family also asks that you honor and cherish all teachers in his name.

Run Free With the Angels

Go and run free with the angels Dance around the golden clouds, For God has chosen you to be with him despite our cries out loud.
Although he has taken you from us and our pain will ever last, your memory never escapes us but makes us glad for the time we had.

Your face will always be hidden deep inside our hearts, each precious moment you gave us shall never, ever depart.

So go and run free with the angels as they sing so tenderly, and please be sure to tell them to take good care of you for me.

Memorial Events

Private Graveside Service

Date & Time Monday 08/03/2020 at 12:00 PM

Address Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Interment

Address Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand RoadArlington Heights

Shiva

Frenzel Residence
2607 N. Brighton Place
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004

Notes of condolences may be sent to the Serota family at:
Dr. Sue Serota
204 W. 5th Street
Fulton, MO 65251

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