Santiago Serna

Santiago Filimon Serna – 86, a lifelong resident of the Espanola Valley died peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2008 at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Serna; parents: Fidel and Cleofas Serna; sister, Lucia Serna and brother, Anthony Serna. May their souls rest in peace. Santiago, also known as James, among close friends and relatives, graduated from El Rito Normal School and then joined the CC Camps. He then served as a member of the US Armed Forces and received honors in sharp shooting, good conduct and courage. He was stationed in Burma where he participated in the construction of the Burma Road in WWII. After the war, he was honorably discharged and returned home where he met his loving wife, Irene Gonzales. Santiago and Irene were married in 1947 and raised their six children in Espanola. He retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory as a plutonium technician after 36 years of service in 1983. He is survived by his children: Judy Graham and husband Michael, Loretta Serna, Bonnie Serna, Jim Serna, Donald Serna and Peg Robledo and husband John; sisters: Pita Roybal and Margaret Winters of CA; grandchildren: Jennifer Gentrup and John Robledo, Jr. and Alice Serna; great grandchildren Hannah, Audrey, Dominic and Maria Gentrup. Public Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 23 at 5:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, with a rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the interment to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery with military honors. The family of Santiago Filimon Serna would like to express their gratitude to all the employees of Amber Care hospice. The Rivera Family of Block-Salazar Mortuary: Telephone (505) 753-2288 or 1-800-443-4854.