Carmen D. Serafino

Carmen D. Serafino, age 86, passed away at his home in Elkhart surrounded by his family.  Carmen was born May 3, 1934 in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Anthony and Mary (Campiti) Serafino.  He was a graduate of Elkhart High School, class of 1952.  Following graduation, Carmen enlisted in the US Navy where he served honorably from July of 1952 until his honorable discharge in July of 1956. Carmen  served his country as a radio operator on the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain during the Korean Conflict.  Following his time in the Navy, Carmen went to barber school and used his skills as the owner of Carmen’s Barber Shop in Elkhart for many years.   He later met Elizabeth A. “Betty” (Sailor) Kamp and they were married on January 2, 1995.

His wife Betty survives, along with his three children Christine Serafino of Oklahoma, Gregory (Cari) Serafino of Elkhart, and Staci Serafino of Mishawaka.  Surviving as well are six step-children; Paula (Shane) Blackstone of Huntington, Indiana, David Gaskill, Daniel Gaskill, both of Vandalia, Michigan, Judith Gaskill of Elkhart, Mary Gaskill-Scheetz and Tim Gaskill, both of Mishawaka.  Surviving as well is his brother Joseph (Lila) Serafino of Elkhart, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his siblings Frank, Gloria and Viola, his grandson Ryan Serafino, his great grandson Keegan Serafino, and his favorite puppy Daisy.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Friday, November 20, 2020  at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  His son Greg Serafino will officiate the 11 am funeral service on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola where military honors will be rendered following the service.  Interment will take place privately at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. For the health and safety of the Serafino family, strict adherence to the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 will be followed.  His service will be streamed in real time on Saturday.  Please join the waiting room to be admitted into the service one half hour prior to the start of the service by following this link: us02web.zoom.us/j/5746748689

Besides owning his own barber shop for many years, Carmen also owned and operated three takeout pizza locations over the years, twice as Dugout Pizza and once as Mama Mia's.  In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, especially refinishing old furniture, playing golf and bowling in leagues throughout the area.  He also enjoyed working on small electrical projects and was a licensed HAM radio operator.  He was also an avid fan of all Chicago sports (except the Chicago White Sox) and held memberships at the IARA in Elkhart and New Salem United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Center for Hospice 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545.  To leave an online condolence for the Serafino family, or to view Carmen’s online video tribute, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.