Peter James Serino

93, of St. Petersburg, peacefully passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at the home of his daughter. Born in Syracuse, NY, he moved to St. Petersburg in 1945 after serving as a Cadre Instructor in the US Army Field Artillery and a 1st Sergeant in the 42nd Infantry Rainbow Division in WWII. Peter was awarded the Bronze Star for valor during the war. Prior to the war he was a Construction Superintendent for Toddle House Corp. and traveled the northeast building restaurants. In St. Petersburg he attended aircraft school at Albert Whitted Airport and earned lifetime licenses in Aircraft and Aircraft Engine. In the early 50's he was Vice President of a plastic fabrication company in St. Petersburg and later joined TeleVue Towers as Sales Manager for communication towers and other accessories used in the television industry. When TeleVue moved their operation to MN Peter joined Curtis Mathes Corp. He was the ultimate salesman and used his talents introducing Curtis Mathes television products throughout the southeast. Peter joined Cain and Bultman in 1961 as a territory salesman and rose to Vice President and General Manager of Cain and Bultman's Tampa Branch. He retired in March of 1991. Peter and Mary Louise Serino were married for 69 years before her death in November 2010. Peter was a dynamic man that lifted up all those he encountered through business, friendship and especially family. He was a doting husband, great cook, voracious reader, and lifelong learner. He could speak intelligently and convincingly on any subject and always held the rapt attention of everyone at any family gathering. Peter was predeceased by his brothers Domenick and Nunzio and sister Carmella Corona and is survived by his sisters Caroline Blain, TX and Mary Marsello (Ralph), NY; his daughter, Carol Anne Sales (Keith), his son Peter James Serino, Jr., grandchildren Keith Eric Sales II and Dawn Serino Goddard (Ethan) and great-grandchildren, Hudson and Ilene Goddard - all of St. Petersburg. The family will hold a memorial at a later date.