Ryan Gregory Serafino

Ryan Gregory Serafino, age 28 of Elkhart, passed away at Memorial Hospital early in the morning on Saturday, August 22, 2020.  Ryan was born March 13, 1992 in Mishawaka, Indiana.  He was a 2010 graduate of Jimtown High School. He later became a tradesman in the local construction industry, he worked as a builder of boats and RV’s and most recently learned yet another trade for Carter Flooring.   His talent for craftsmanship kept him busy building many things for his family and friends.

Surviving are his parents Greg and Cari (Havens) Serafino of Elkhart and his siblings Clint (Tara) Serafino of Charlotte N.C. and most recently of Stuttgart, Germany, Timothy (Hannah) Serafino of Canton, Ohio, and Jenna (Alex) Jones of Elkhart.  Surviving as well are his grandparents Tom and Connie Havens and Carmen and Betty Ann Serafino, both of Elkhart, and Nancy Knapp of Osceola.  Ryan is also survived by his nephew Griffin Serafino, his niece Emilia Serafino, numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, and his two favorite dogs: Royal and Kona.  He was preceded in death by his nephew Keegan James Serafino.

There will be a gathering of friends and family from 4-8 pm Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Osceola Grace Church, 58343 South Apple Road, Osceola, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 3:13 pm (to honor both Ryan’s birthdate and the time his family prayed daily for him) on Friday, August 28, 2020 at Osceola Grace Church, where Ryan’s father Greg Serafino will deliver a message of hope to his family and friends.  Cruz Family Funeral Home of Osceola is assisting with the services. **Due to the circumstances regarding travel from Germany, Clint and Tara will not arrive at the Church on Thursday evening until around 6:30 pm**

Ryan was passionate about sports and played varsity football at Jimtown High School.  He was a fan of college football, especially the Alabama Crimson Tide, and used his knowledge of the sport he loved to coach defensive backs and wide receivers for the Osceola Grace Eagles football program in recent years.

He was also an extremely talented musician and excelled at playing the piano and drums.  He loved to sing and dance and had quite the collection of sneakers as well. His humor and style will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Osceola Grace Eagles football program or the Teen Challenge for Men and Boys at www.teenchallengeranch.com/donate . “The Serafino family also asks that to honor Ryan best we would invite you dress as Ryan liked to dress: He liked flatbill SnapBack caps, sweet clean sneakers and Alabama fan gear but he also liked to look “fly” on those special occasions, so you choose the best way to dress to honor Ryan!”

To leave a message of condolence for the Serafino family, light a virtual candle in Ryan’s memory, or view his online video tribute, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.