George William Serpa

George W. Serpa

10/17/1933  -  3/3/2024

George William Serpa, 90, of Tulare, California, died on March 3, 2024. True to form until the very end, George barked at his family and caregivers “I don’t need a walker or cane,” went out to get the mail, tripped, and suffered a life-ending head injury. This is just as he would have wanted it; antsy to get on with whatever is next. He was born on October 17, 1933 in Tulare to parents John G. and Mary Serpa. George’s grandparents immigrated in the 1880’s from the Portuguese Azores island of Faial. George learned to speak English in first grade at Liberty School, a mile walk from the family ranch. When George was 7 years old, his mother, a non-smoker who operated the meat preserving smoke house, died of lung cancer. George was eternally grateful for his relatives who took him in until his father married Mary Soares Serpa, who truly became his second mother and grandmother to his children. When George was 17, his father died suddenly. Since that day, George has managed the family ranch for a total of 73 years. George graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1952, attended College of Sequoias briefly,  and proudly served his country during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. He married his high school sweetheart, Sally Harper Serpa, in 1956 and she survives him after an amazing 67 years of marriage. George is also survived by his daughter Traci Serpa Granger (Steve Granger) and his son Greg Serpa (Jeff Giordano) and grandson Logan Giordano Serpa. George was deeply involved with agriculture and community organizations on the state and local level including Cal Cot Board, Tulare Irrigation District Board, Tulare County Flood Control Commission, Elks, and Tulare Sharks Swim Club. George was the last surviving original organizer of the California Farm Equipment Show and he served as Chairman of the farm show in 1974. A graveside memorial service will be held at North Tulare Cemetery (“J” Street) on Wednesday, March 13, at 11 AM followed by a celebration-of-life luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choosing. If you knew George, you would know to come on time, get it over with and move things along. He’s got things to attend to.

Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at North Tulare Public Cemetery, 4462 North J Street, Tulare

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