Alvin Serota

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.

Service Information

Service : Monday, August 3rd at 12:00 pm
Service Location: Private Graveside Service -Shalom Memorial Park

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand RoadArlington Heights

GUEST BOOK
PHOTOGRAPHS

GUEST BOOK

February 23rd, 2022

Sue and Lee
My condolences on the loss of your parents.

David

~David Kaplan
~Friend/neighbor, Skokie,il

August 6th, 2020

I met Al years ago when I was living in the sorority house with his lovely daughter, Sue. I was fortunate to reconnect with the Serota family and even attend the wedding renewal celebration with Beverly. I so appreciated his quick wit and great worldly insights. I am grateful that I was able to reconnect and become better acquainted with Al in his final years. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed. Love to Beverly & Sue. From The Boyds – Becky & Grace

~Rebecca Boyd
~Friend, Kansas City

August 4th, 2020

Uncle Al, I will always remember you as a caring, loving family man and a significant part of my family. Your presence at family get-togethers will be greatly missed, especially the good conversations on history and sports. I recall when during games of Trivial Pursuit, we never had a chance against a human sports encyclopedia such as you! The Chicago Cubs will miss their #1 Fan and we will miss our #1 Uncle Al.

~Mady
~Niece, Las Vegas, NV

August 3rd, 2020

Uncle Al, you helped to formulate the love and meaning of family in my childhood and youth. I remember you coming to court Auntie Bev at Bobi Ida’ s house, and then your beautiful wedding together. Memories of sleeping over on Bobi’ s hide-a-bed couch while you both lived with her for awhile, and all the Jewish holidays and weekend visits we all spent together. My first babysitting job was for you and Aunt Bev when Sue was born, at your Serota family card parties, and then for years at your apt., and home in Skokie. I loved the pizzas you’ d bring by while working at La’ Rosas, and then driving me home to Albany Park on your way to work Mondays, with your co-teacher friends. Thank you for your love Uncle Al, rest in peace, and God bless your whole family.

~Sharon Upshur
~Niece, Algonac, MI

August 3rd, 2020

During the years of the family business, when my daughters were very young, I was the main worker for the family. I did weekend work whether or not I had another job, and was very grateful for the financial opportunity, and being able to help the family of my late Mom, Anne and Stepfather, Jimmy, and Uncle Al and Aunt Bev, Mom’s only sibling and little Sister. During these years was when I spent the most time with Al and Bev. Al gave me support and gave me a great interest in pursuing self-studies of history, politics and civil and workers rights. Al and Bev helped support my Mom and her family unit, and also my family unit of 2 girls and former wife. Al and Bev let my Mom and I live in their condo in Las Vegas in between my 2 marriages, and were also very supportive of my physically disabled wife, Bonnie, in all of her school and work efforts, and through many surgical recoveries. He was the only one of my Uncles that I was ever close to, and was wonderful with my daughters. He was my Father figure, as I wasn’t close to my Dad or Stepdad. My times working alone with him in the family business were always the most fun and interesting times. My wife and I will forever hold him dear to our hearts. He’s up in Heaven teaching a class and sharing a laugh with someone!

~Jeffrey Frimet
~Nephew, San Antonio TX

August 3rd, 2020

Al was a great guy. We were privileged to become part of his extended family when he and Bev moved to Columbia to be nearer Sue. His love of football and baseball, his interest in education and all people, and his dedication to his family will always be remembered. He always said he was a fighter and he battled his health challenges ferociously, but with grace too. We will all miss him, but not ever forget him.

~Bob and Linda Aulgur
~Friends of All, Bev and Sue, Columbia,Mo

August 3rd, 2020

Jeanie and I got together with Al and Bev for dinner and a show one time. Dinner was at Olive Garden, of course. The last time we saw them was at their Renewal, I’m so happy we were able to drive down for it.

Goodbye cousin, I’ll always remember you.

Jack and Jeanie Klein

~Jack Klein
~Cousin, McHenry, IL

August 2nd, 2020

Al will be greatly missed. I remember the first time I met him when I visited with Sue in Las Vegas 20 years ago he welcomed me and treated me like family. When Matt and I started dating and we visited Vegas, Matt was welcomed in the same way. We loved listening to Al’s stories. Al loved his family, being an educator, and his country. Those of us that were close friends were blessed with Al’s way of bringing you in to his inner circle. We will miss you greatly and are blessed with many years of memories and stories. Sue, Bev, Lee, Leah, and the rest of the family you are all in our thoughts and we will continue honor the amazing Al Serota.

~Angie and Matt Nestor
~Friend of family, Columbia MO

August 1st, 2020

I met your parents for the first time at their vow renewal. What a beautiful memory I have of their forever love! Thank you for sharing your parents with so many! Please know I hold you near and dear in my heart, Sue. Sending prayers of comfort to you and your family. ~Linda W

~Linda Williams
~Friend and colleague of Sue’s, Fulton, MO

August 1st, 2020

Lots of memories with Uncle Al. All the weekend get togethers at the house on Golf Rd. All the flea market trips and special summer events to Wisconsin taught me what business is all about. He was a great mentor, and will be missed.

~bob
~, las vegas

July 30th, 2020

Sue and family,

I don’t have memories of your dad because I never got the pleasure of meeting him. But you and your mother are awesome. Just wanted you to know how sorry I am that you had to say good-bye to what has sounded like a wonderful man who taught you and others so much about life. My prayers and love are with you both and Leah and others in the family. I pray the Lord will give you some comfort now and in the future with all the memories of the life and times you had with him.

Love and hugs,
Brenda

~Brenda Hoover Saxe
~Friend of Sue, Fulton, MO

July 29th, 2020

As a young kid, I remember what a nice guy you were and how much affection you showed out to cousin Bev.
My mom and dad (Aunt Helen and Uncle Dan) were very fond of you.
RIP cousin Al…

~Renee Poirtnoy Piazzaoy
~cousin, Deerfield, Il. 60015

July 29th, 2020

Alvin Serota (image 13)

~Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

July 29th, 2020

Alvin Serota 13

~Upload
~Funeral Director, Arlington Heights

July 29th, 2020

It’s going to be very hard to get through both football season and election season, pops. You are my heart.💔

~Sue
~Daughter, Fulton, Missouri

July 29th, 2020

Alvin Serota

~Shalom Memorial Funeral Home –
~Funeral Director, Arlington Heights

July 29th, 2020

Alvin Serota (image 11)

~Shalom memorial Park
~Funeral Director, Arlington Heights

July 29th, 2020

Alvin Serota (image 10)