Alan C. Serena's Obituary
The world lost a giant on Friday, May 12, 2023 at approximately 4:25 p.m.
Alan Craig Serena, who stood 6 feet 5 inches tall, but larger than life to family and friends, passed away at age 70, after a four month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Alan was born on Friday, August 22, 1952 at 10:26 a.m. at McKeesport Hospital and lived all but a few years of his life in Liberty Borough.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert M. Serena (1931-2018) and Audrey B. Serena (1928-2020) of Liberty.
Alan was a graduate of South Allegheny High School (class of 1970) and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from West Virginia University (class of 1974).
Alan married the love of his life, Susan Valosen of Perryopolis, on Saturday, September 29, 1979 and the two were married for over 43 years. He was survived by his dear wife, who was by his side when he was called home to God.
Alan became passionate about radio at a young age when he saw live broadcasts being conducted in the late 1950s on Fifth Avenue in McKeesport.
His interest in radio was further amplified by his mother, who was a secretary at McKeesport's WEDO AM 810.
Alan held several positions at Mon Valley stations before moving on to several management positions at Renda Broadcasting's WIXZ 1360 AM in East McKeesport in the 1970s and 80s.
In 1985, Alan established Serena Communications, Inc., which owned and operated WIXZ for the next decade. Since 1997, Alan worked as a Vice President for his dear friend and mentor Anthony Renda, right where he started with Renda Broadcasting.
Alan was a die hard fan of West Virginia Mountaineers football (Let's go Mountaineers), fine dining, WWE wrestling, and The Rolling Stones.
But the greatest joy of his life were his three children and three grandchildren.
Alan was also survived by his sons: Michael Serena of South Park; Adam Serena of Naples, Florida; Albert Serena (Heidi) of Altoona; and grandchildren: Emma and Joshua Serena of South Park and Julian Serena of Naples, Florida.
A Visitation will be held for Alan on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m., and a Celebration of Life service to follow at 3:00pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home - 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, Pa 15236
From his 'debut' to his 'final sign off', Alan had a deep love for his family and friends and his final wish was for his loved ones to remember him as he was in life, for them to live their lives to the fullest, and to love one another.
"Go catch your dreams before they slip away." The Rolling Stones - Ruby Tuesday
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