Obituary of David A. Serafin Sr.

Mr. David A. Serafin Sr., 58, a lifelong resident of Amsterdam, NY, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2019 at home, surrounded by his loving family.  Born on October 12, 1961 to Leonard and Evelyn Serafin (O’Brien). He attended Amsterdam High School and graduated Class of 1979.

David worked at Coleco Industries in Amsterdam before he began working at Silvercote (now Knauf Insulation) in Scotia. He was a machine operator and later promoted to supervisor for the last 27 years until his retirement due to illness.

David enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1984. First stationed at the Amsterdam Armory in the 105th Rainbow Division and later at the Gloversville Armory in the Charlie Co. 2-108th Infantry Division, (Vikings), 60 mm mortars.  He served his country for 21 years. He rose through the ranks to E6, SSG. While in the Guard, he was deployed to New York City in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, as well as other emergency situations. In 2003, he was deployed to Iraq and his Mortar Squad was assigned duty with the Big Red One Division before retiring. In his career with the Guard, he earned numerous medals.

David loved nature, and liked to take walks with his wife through the woods whenever he had a chance. David’s greatest passions in life was hunting, fishing and trapping.   David was a mentor by nature, and his advice was sought out by family and friends. He loved nothing better than teaching youngsters about the great outdoors. He also greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He met his wife Sabrina for the first time on June 5, 1980 in Tribes Hill. They were united in marriage July 10, 1982, and they shared 39 wonderful years together.

His loving family includes his wife, Sabrina; his children, Shannon (Joseph Quill), David Jr., and Mark; his siblings, Linda (Dwight) Guess, Leonard Jr. “Butch” (Anne) Serafin, Kaitlyn (Bruce) Atlas, and Samuel (Gina) Serafin; his grandchildren, Zoie Quill, Destin and Rylee Serafin, Zach Quill, Ryan Smith, and Jaidalyn Black; his mother in-law, Shirley Konik; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear family friends.

David is predeceased by his parents, Leonard Serafin, Sr. and Evelyn O’Brien; his brother, Stephen; and his father-in-law, Michael Konik, Sr.

A special heartfelt thank you to the NYOH of Amsterdam from Sabrina and family for the care and compassion above and beyond for David through his illness. Also, a thank you to Hospice and Living Resources for all you did for David and his family.

Funeral services will be held on October 25, 2019 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon in St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 37 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY with Father Neal Longe presiding. A short gathering will follow his services in the Church Rectory.  Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the following:  Annual Youth Turkey Hunt, c/o Michele Auriemma, 197 Truax Rd, Amsterdam, NY 12010. (Please make check payable to Michele Auriemma). Or to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, 1730 M Street, NW Suite 705, Washington, DC 20036. Please visit David's guestbook online at www.brbsfuneral.com