Eleuterio (Terry) Serrano

Hello everyone, for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Katie, and it is with the heaviest of hearts that I am starting this fundraiser. A family who I consider to be an extension of my own, has tragically and suddenly lost a vital member of their lives; a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend— Eleuterio (Terry) Serrano.

On the evening of January 13, 2024, Terry lost consciousness just outside of St. Paul’s after church proceedings. He was resuscitated by his wife and was rushed and coded into the Emergency Department. He spent three weeks in the ICU with his wife and four children constantly surrounding him, making sure he was never alone while he fought for his life. Unfortunately, due to complications of severe anoxic brain injury he passed onto the next life on February 2nd, 2024. He went peacefully, surrounded with a room filled with loved ones who were singing and praying as he made his way to eternal life.

Terry Serrano was such a joy to this world. He was an amazing husband to the love of his life Marilyn for 40 years, and an incredible provider and father to his four children: Elyson, Ezekiel, Emarson, and Elyza. His kindness and generosity extended out to more than just his family, it spilled out into his community too. He was a dedicated member of his church community at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, and before retirement, he was a public servant for the Department of Human Assistance and Social Services for almost 20 years.

Terry came from humble beginnings in the Philippines. Raised as a farm boy, harvesting rice in paddy fields, leaving his family at a young age to join the seminary. Life took a turn and he eventually left the seminary and went to college and earned his doctorate. Terry was a practicing dentist in the Philippines but when he moved to America to make a better life for his family, he was not able to continue that path. Instead, he spent the rest of his working years helping residents in Sacramento County with community services.

It is my hope that we can come together as a community to pay it forward to Terry and help his family during their time of need and lessen their financial burdens as they navigate their grief and sorrow. Please donate what you can to help cover the cost of expenses made during the 3-week ICU stay and proceeding funeral expenses.

Thank you for taking the time read, share, and donate in any way you can.

With gratitude,

Katie B.