(HARTFORD, CT) - Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz released the following statement after learning of the passing of former State Representative Joseph Serra.
“Middletown mourns the loss of a legendary politician and public servant. The son of Sicilian immigrants, Joe lived the American dream becoming a star graduate of Middlesex Community College, serving as Director of Public Works and proudly representing Middletown in the General Assembly for 28 years.
Joe Serra was quite simply ‘Mr. Middletown.’ He loved his hometown, relished public service and developed an encyclopedia knowledge of all things Middletown. 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.
I had the privilege of serving with Joe in the General Assembly beginning in 1991. We became “back benchers” and sat next to each other, taking in the view of the rough and tumble activity that occurs on the floor of the State House. As an experienced dad of four beautiful children, I could always count on Joe to entertain my own children when I was bringing out bills. My children were also lucky enough to have Joe’s wife, Marie, as their elementary school teacher at Farm Hill School. Joe always said that he got elected by large margins because everyone loved Marie, who taught thousands of children during her decades working in the Middletown Public Schools.
As state representative, Joe was known as an expert in our state’s infrastructure, a champion for expanded healthcare access and protections for seniors, and as the enthusiastic host of the annual bipartisan Legislative Caucus dinners.
Our city and our state have lost a dedicated leader who lived a life devoted to the service of others, and we will miss him deeply. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”