The political scene in Connecticut was rocked last week after the death of a high-profile Democrat was announced.
According to Middletown Press, former state Rep. Joe Serra, referred to by some as "Mr. Middletown" and described by the outlet as a "man of the people," has died.
He was 84, according to the report.
Serra, also describe as a politician who was "larger than life," served in the state's 33rd House District for nearly 30 years, cementing his legacy as a memorable face in the state's political scene.
Serra's closest friends, including former House speaker Richard Balducci, said that Serra valued family -- and especially his wife -- over everything else, with Balducci saying family was at the top of his proverbial list.
"Nothing came before them," Balducci said, referring to Serra's love of family.
The outlet noted:
Serra and his wife Marie have four children and many grandchildren. The two met 60 years ago at City Hall when Marie Serra worked there over the summer, his daughter Lauriann Serra said.
They had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary, she added.
Serra valued the area he represented, and it was noted that when someone in his district would lose a family member, they'd call Serra and he would recall his own fond memories of that person.
A kind man who spent many late nights talking with me about boxing and his pal, Willie Pep, in the back of the House chamber
RIP, Joe.
Former state Rep. Joe Serra remembered as 'Mr. Middletown,' a man of the people with a big heart https://t.co/gEzSW5PYJS via @Middletownpress
— Fred Camillo 🇺🇸 (@fcamillo) November 29, 2024
"What drove him in politics were the people and helping them," Lauriann Serra said.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz released a statement on Serra's passing, praising him for his years of public service.
"He loved his hometown, relished public service and developed an encyclopedia knowledge of all things Middletown,” Bysiewicz said in a written statement.
“He knew every inch of each of our city’s diverse neighborhoods and formed friendships with thousands of residents over the course of his life. He held court on a daily basis at Ford News Diner on Main Street regaling patrons with stories of Connecticut politics, and trips to Stop & Shop for milk would often take hours due to the conversations he would have or the constituent services he provided along the way."
Clearly, Serra's legacy will live on, and he obviously had a major impact on the area in which he served for so long.
