Ralph Serra lifelong resident of Medford passed away on Wednesday, December 21st. He was 97. Born in Boston, he was the cherished son of the late Francesco and Marianna (Macari) Serra.

Ralph was a hero in every sense of the word. At the young age of 18, he fought courageously in World War II and received two Purple Hearts for his service and participation in the invasion of Normandy; he was awarded France’s highest civilian and military distinction, the Legion of Honor. Ever so humble, Ralph was quoted in a Boston newspaper thanking the “French government for being so thoughtful.” Ralph was a very hard worker, often holding two or three jobs, and finally retiring from the US Postal Service in 1986 after a distinguished career as a Transportation Officer.

Ralph and Pearl were talented ballroom dancers, and they spent many weekends dancing and socializing with friends. Their kids still think of their dancing days with fondness that they found so much joy in their Saturday night at Wonderland Ballroom.

Together with his wife Pearl, they raised five children Steven Serra and his wife Eileen, Andrea Masciari and her husband Vincent, Natalie Serra and her wife Linda, Christopher Serra and his wife Jessica and Gregory Serra and his wife Katie, and he welcomed 13 grandchildren; Christopher, Stephanie, Daniel, Emily, Julia, Lauren, Will, Marco, Elijah and four great grandchildren; Samara, James, Savanna and Maya. Their house was always filled with noise and laughter, but it was mostly filled with love and food, lots and lots of food for anyone who happened to be in their house. Ralph built their house with his nine brothers, and Pearl cooked three meals a day for all of them and for her own family and any friends whoever walked through the door.

Ralph was ready to be reunited with Pearl, to whom he was married for 67 years before her death in 2016. We all hope he is with her now, dancing the night away.

Ralph’s funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Friday, December 30th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway Medford at 10AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday from 4 to 8 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford, with military honors.