Donald L. Serkleski “Dad, Grandpa, and PaPa”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Donald L. “Don, Dad, Grandpa, and Pa Pa” Serkleski, 80, of Shinglehouse, went to with the Lord, with his loving family by his side on Monday, November 25, 2024, in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY.
Born on Thursday, April 13, 1944, in Coudersport, he was a son of Frank “Sox” and Violet Quimby Serkleski of Coudersport. On June 12, 1963, he married Mary Ann Wheeler who predeceased him on December 26, 2009.
Don graduated from Coudersport High School. In 1963, he joined the US Coast Guard serving until 1967. He was employed by Pittsburgh Corning Glass Company in Port Allegany until his retirement.
He enjoyed his Ham and CB radios, listening to old country music, Elvis and the 50’s music. He loved any electronic gadgets and his vacations across the United States taking months at a time, taking some amazing photos. Don loved their St. Bernards and was known as the cat whisperer when the stray cats would find their way to the front porch.
Don and Mary Ann were blessed with four children, Donnie (Roxanne) Serkleski of Shinglehouse, Donna (Philip) Lingenfelter of Kane, and Connie Serkleski and Julie Serkleski, both of Shinglehouse. They were doubly blessed with four grandchildren, Brittany Serkleski, Brooke (Tom) Grigsby, Brandon (Emily) Serkleski and Jamie (Taylor) Lingenfelter. Don was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Jade Grigsby. They also helped raise three additional children, Tiger, Patrick, and Casey, along with being blessed with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, who called him Pa Pa.
Also surviving are a special companion of nine years, Jill Rinehults; two brothers-in-law, Danny Wheeler and Howard (Jan) Wheeler; two sisters-in-law, Kim (Rod) Dickerson and Sandy (Ryan) Welty; and some ex in-laws.
In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Anna, Mathew, and Christopher; a sister-in-law, Penny Tompkins; a brother-in-law, Barry Wheeler; and a niece, Theresa Wheeler.
Family and friends are invited to call from 1pm to 2pm on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Millport Community Church, Millport, PA, where a Celebration of Don’s life will follow at 2pm, with Howard Wheeler of Jamestown, NY, Don’s brother-in-law, officiating.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Millport Community Church, Millport.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Don’s name may be made to God’s Country Military Food Share Program, 1237 East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Don’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory
of Don, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
