Emil Sereda Jr. was born on March 12, 1935 to Emil and Anna Sereda in Chicago, Illinois and died on January 15, 2025 in Fresno, CA. His parents raised him and his seven siblings in their home above his parents' dry goods store in Chicago's Czecholslovakian neighborhood. In July 1945 the family moved to San Leandro, CA. He served eight years in the CA Air National Guard followed by a 30-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Air Traffic Division. During those 30 years, he moved nine times due to career opportunities and family obligations. In 1966, he met his wife, Janice, at a singles luau at St. John's Cathedral in Fresno. They were married on July 15, 1967. In his early years, he loved typing letters to friends and family, taking photos at family gatherings, and earned his Private Pilot Certificate.

With each move to a new city, Emil devoted many hours of his time to his local Catholic church. His greatest dedication was to St. Helen's Catholic Church in Fresno for over 40 years where he had been a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as a lector, usher, and in many other capacities. He also volunteered for 15 years at CRMC at the information desk.

After he retired in 1992, he fulfilled his dream of singing and entertaining in front of an audience. He was thrilled to perform for 16 years in the New Wrinkles senior variety show singing solos of some of his favorite Frank Sinatra songs.

Emil could claim the title of "farmer", partnering with his in-laws farming a 40-acre ranch in the early years of his marriage, then later tending to the 2 acres where they built their forever home after returning to Fresno in the early 1980s. When he wasn't working or volunteering, he enjoyed tinkering in his workshop, which became a sanctuary and headquarters for equipment maintenance and home improvement and where he designed and built useful items. He embodied Do-it-Yourself by improving each home with every move, adding irrigation systems, concrete paths, and making plumbing, electrical, and appliance repairs. His diligent maintenance skills contributed to the 56-year life of their clothes dryer. He had a lifelong love of dogs, having a dog nearly each of his 89 years. Emil brought joy to others in countless ways, such as making children laugh, dressing up as Santa, building silly props and practical gifts, or bringing a plate of his favorite cowboy oatmeal cookies with a recipe in hand to share. Emil's greatest gift was the unending love and support he gave to his wife and children. His love and presence will be greatly missed.

Emil was preceded in death by his brothers Robert, John, and Louis T. "Al", and his sisters, Pat and Dolores (Sister Mary Joseph) and survived by his wife of 57 years, Janice, his children, Brian and Elizabeth, and his sisters, Judi and Nancy.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Vineyards California Armenian Home, Center for Cognitive Excellence for their compassionate care of our beloved husband and father, Emil.

Services for Emil will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at
St. Helen's Catholic Church at 4870 E Belmont Ave.
9:30am Rosary and 10am Mass
11am Reception/Eulogy at the parish hall adjacent to the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Emil's name to the New Wrinkles Program by sending a check payable to "SCCC Foundation" and writing "New Wrinkles Program" in the memo line, mailed to Fresno City College Business Office, 1101 E. University Ave, Fresno CA 93741