The Western New England University community mourns the passing of Michael A. (Mike) Serafino '77 and fondly remembers him as a remarkable man who made innumerable contributions to the University he loved. Mike passed away on October 28, 2021. His impact to the University is enormous and broad: initially as an excellent student, and then as a devoted alumnus, a caring trustee, a generous donor, and a cherished friend to many on campus and beyond.
Elected to the WNE Board of Trustees in 2001, Mike was a proud and true supporter of WNE. He served the campus community in a number of capacities including as Alumni-trustee from 1994-1996, President of the WNE Alumni Association from 1996-1998, and as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2001-2021.
"Mike contributed to WNE's success in many ways: as a mentor to many, as a generous benefactor, and as a devoted member of our Board of Trustees," said Chairman of the Board of Trustees Kenneth Rickson '75. "Mike's untimely passing creates a vacancy on our Board that will be difficult to fill, as his history and expertise were invaluable."
In his role as a Trustee, Mike chaired the Investment and Finance committees and served on the Executive, Development, Finance, and Audit committees. He also served on the University's 1996 Presidential Search Committee.
"Mike Serafino played a major role in my life as well as in that of the University itself," said President Emeritus Anthony S. Caprio. "An outstanding alum, a dedicated Trustee, and to many of us, a precious friend, Mike was generous, kind, warm-hearted, and fun."
Widely recognized for his commitment to WNE, Mike was awarded the 1997 Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year award and was also the guest of honor at the 2014 Athletics Golf Classic.
Further expanding on the impact he made within the WNE community, Mike and his wife Patricia '77 established the Serafino Family Endowed Scholarship in 2008. Because of their generosity, the scholarship has provided dozens of scholarships to students in the College of Arts and Sciences who participate in extracurricular activities devoted to the arts.
"Mike will be sorely missed, especially by those privileged to be touched by his generosity of spirit, but I cannot help but believe that Mike's family and those of us grieving his loss will be comforted by the tremendous legacy he left at WNE that will be felt for generations to come," said President Robert E. Johnson.
In addition to the impact Mike made at WNE, he was also highly acclaimed for his professional work, as a 30-year veteran of the investment industry, including the last 12 years as the Senior Vice President of investments at Serafino-Moore Wealth Management of Raymond James, and for his commitment to serving the Springfield community and beyond. Among his many community service endeavors, he was a Trustee and former Chair of MacDuffie School and was also involved with the United Way of the Pioneer Valley and Behavioral Health Network in Springfield.
Complementing his commitment to service, Mike was also an accomplished singer-songwriter and music aficionado, performing at community events and venues throughout the years. He released an album titled Kid Stone that featured songs he wrote and then recorded with family and friends. His album release was a philanthropic endeavor with proceeds going to benefit Open Pantry Community Services, Inc. in Springfield, an organization that provides food and shelter to community members in need; and Behavioral Health Network, a regional provider of behavioral health services for adults, children, and families.
A public graveside service will be held on Monday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Springfield Street Cemetery in Feeding Hills. A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held in the spring of 2022. Additional information is available here.
To honor Mike's memory with a gift to the Serafino Family Endowed Scholarship, visit alumni.wne.edu/serafinoscholarship or call (413) 782-1400. Gifts may be mailed to the Advancement Division, Western New England University, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01119-2684.
