Alfonso Serrano Gomez

Alfonso Serrano Gomez was born in San Lorenzo, Puerto on January 23, 1935, to Victor Serrano and Antonia Gomez. Alfonso is survived by his children- Jose Alberto Serrano Galarza; Luz Maria Oseguera; Alfonso Serrano Jr, (Daralynn- deceased); Lourdes Serrano; and Rosita Severin. (Douglas). He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Maria Serrano Gomez; his parents; grandson Dan B. Serrano Hopkins; brothers and sisters. He was the last surviving sibling of ten.

Alfonso met and married the love of his life-Maria-his Reina, fell hopelessly in love, and married on December 11, 1961, in Puerto Rico. Their love for each other was unwavering, profound, faithful, and an example to all of what true love is. They were married for sixty-three-years-separated only by death. At the age of twenty-six, Alfonso enrolled in Basic Education for Adults, learning to read and write. Literacy opened new opportunities for Alfonso allowing him to work in the mainland US states as a migrant worker. In 1975, Alfonso moved his family to Waukegan, and then to Gary, Indiana where he lived for the rest of his life. Alfonso worked at East Gary Concrete Products for many years. He also worked as a self-employed landscaper, and at Remus Farm for supplemental income. He was resolute- leaving early for work and returning late each night. After retiring from East Gary Concrete, Alfonso went to work at Ameristar Casino in East Chicago, Indiana. Alfonso loved working at Ameristar where he made loving friendships and where he felt valued and appreciated. In 2003, Alfonso was selected as Harrah’s Employee of the Year. Not only did he win the honor, but he was awarded $5,000 bonus. He was so deserving and so proud of this recognition for his work. He used the money to travel to Puerto Rico with Maria, and to install new windows on their home. As Papi would say, “What a way to say thank you to your employee!” Alfonso was a diligent, dedicated, and dependable employee in all work-and his work ethic was unmatched and unstoppable. And he performed his work with a radiant and infectious smile, and a warm and loving heart. Alfonso is undoubtedly one of the kindest, most generous and loving people to everyone. Alfonso was always helping and generous to family, friends, and complete strangers. During the holidays, he would purchase food and distribute food baskets to families in need. Throughout his life, he generously supported his parents, family, in-laws, and others. Alfonso absolutely loved animals. And animals loved him. He fed every stray cat, bird…and even the racoons visited his home to be fed. He derived joy in watching the birds gather to drink from his water dish. Alfonso was committed, dutiful, and devoted to his family. He loved his Reina with unconditional, unselfish, and everlasting love. Alfonso was an extraordinary and selfless father who made sacrifices and dreamed of bigger opportunities for his children. He worked tirelessly so that his family would have opportunities he was denied. Alfonso adored his Puerto Rico-wearing his flag whenever & wherever possible. He was also a proud Puerto Rican American-and thankful for the opportunities his country made viable. Alfonso was fiercely loyal to his Catholic faith and devoted to God-a faith that guided him in every aspect of his life. Alfonso will be deeply missed. We are forever guided by his generosity, his kindness, the memories….and always with the reflection of that beautiful smile. His legacy of love, kindness, warmth, and faith will live with us forever.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, August 28,2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Casimir Catholic Church, 4340 Johnson Ave. Hammond, Indiana 46327. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Alfonso will be laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Park in Hobart, Indiana. For more information, please call Rees Funeral Home, Brady Chapel at (219) 962-1606. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.