John Ralph Serrapere, 72, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania died November 15, 2024. John, son of the late John Serrapere and Audrey Serrapere, loving father of Alaina Cross, Dante Serrapere, and Anthony Cross (son-in-law), passed away Friday morning after a long battle with cancer.
He is survived by his daughter, Alaina, his son, Dante, his son-in-law Anthony, his sisters Joanne and Jeanna (David) Landis, his cousins, Maria Serrapere and Anthony Serrapere, and his nephews, Giovanni and Dominic Serrapere. John was a proud Pittsburgh native and Pittsburgh Italian who was born in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania. John attended East Allegheny High School as the Class of 1971. At East Allegheny, he was the running back for the football team during their state championship. John loved all of his high school friends and teammates. After graduating high school, John attended the United States Naval Academy and played football for the USNA football team. After the Navy, John graduated Indiana University of Pennsylvania Class of 1976 and the University of Pittsburgh Class of 1982. John was the president of Arrow Insights for seventeen years. He was an extremely kind and empathetic person who cared deeply for many causes. He is the founder of WE-21, an organization which honors Pittsburgh Pirate, Roberto Clemente and helps underprivileged youths form a love for baseball. He was also very passionate about the Afro-American Music Institute, Pittsburgh arts and music, and helping make his city a better place. John was a devoted Steelers, Pens, and Pirates fan, and he will be rooting for them always.
Arrangements
The family would like to express their gratitude toward all of John’s friends and family and the Allegheny General Hospital hospice staff. In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to Afro-American Music Institute in John’s name.
A Celebration of Life will be held for John at Angie’s Italian Restaurant. The exact date and time will be announced at a later date.
James F. Kutch Funeral Homes & Crematory
433 incoln Highway
East McKeesport, PA 15035
(412) 823-4054
Please leave condolences below.
16 Condolences
Alaina and Dante, Your Dad was such a sweet man. Always making sure you were having a good time, had enough food and drink, and that you tried whatever he was cooking. I remember walking and playing at the beach in NC with all you kids and John looking for shells and splashing in the waves, his silly Halloween costumes like the German waitress at Grammie and Grandpa’s house with the braids! He loved to have fun and explore and wanted everyone to have a good time. We will miss him and are always here for you. Aunt Roxanne, Uncle Matt
I had the privilege of knowing John for over two decades. During that time, I worked alongside him on various projects and witnessed his brilliance as he shared insights about the markets through the Arrow Insights newsletter. John deeply loved his family and had a gift for finding beauty in the less obvious.
I’m grateful that God allowed me to share with him the many kind messages people sent, all highlighting his remarkable kindness and warmth. It was a privilege to let his family know how much he was respected and loved.
As the Bible says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” John was like a brother to me. His kindness, humor, and support have left a lasting mark on my life, and I will miss him dearly.
Sorry for your loss,Keeping you in thoughts and prayers. Love Best Great Aunt Debbie.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to John’s family and friends. John was apart of my American Legion Post 527, East Pittsburgh overseeing the Youth Programs. I’m going to miss him checking in on his Commander and telling me all his stories. He will truly be missed by his fellow Legionnaires and friends, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”! Please let us know if you need anything from Post 527.
When I think of John, I remember his big smile. He loved to tell stories about his family, growing up in Wilmerding, Roberto Clemente, playing football … he was so proud of his heritage and connection to Pittsburgh. He loved you so much, Dante and Alaina. I loved watching him walk you down the aisle at your wedding, Alaina, and dance with both you and Dante at the reception. I remember many family dinners, the time he shaved off his eyebrows (lol), the way he made a huge mess in the kitchen when he cooked a delicious meal … but mostly, I remember his warm smile. Even though I didn’t see your Dad much in recent years, Dante and Alaina, I’ll miss him. I’m always here for you, I love you all so much! Aunt Tracy
I am so sad to learn of John’s passing. I’ve known him for more than 25 years through our close friend, the late Linda Dickerson, who John called “Angel”. John never saw a challenge, he only saw opportunities. He was totally committed to helping youth and marginalized groups .
I will miss his wisdom and enthusiasm and his sincerity.
May his memory be a blessing.
John was a fraternity brother at IUP. I pledged with him and all of us pledge brothers were close. He will be missed.
Dear Friends & Family of John “DeeDee” Serrapere:
John was my close friend since 1974. A 50 year friendship.
Alaina & Dante, he was very proud and loved you both very much. I know because he bragged about your accomplishments every time we met.
Joanne, Jeanna, Alaina & Dante family & friends, you have my deepest sympathy regarding the loss of DeeDee.
I met DeeDee in 1974 at IUP. He was my fraternity brother and roommate. John was a true Jeffersonian scholar. he lived his life in the YMCA model, Mind, Body & Spirit.
John always found time for his family, charitable youth work and his friends.
LIFE WELL DONE JOHN!
When my own dad died over the summer, and I moved into Pittsburgh without my wife, John became one of my best, and probably only, friends. Through our weekly dinners and talks over the past 4 months, I really came to understand that my new father-in-law was a kind hearted and gentle person with a fierce passion for improving social welfare for all. I could always count on him to have the utmost empathy for my issues, stimulating conversation topics, and a good restaurant recommendation.
While I am grateful, and lucky, for the time that I spent with him, I will always miss our long philosophical discussions over a glass or two of wine. I hope that he can rest easy knowing that he made the world a better place.
My sincere condolences to all. I am thankful to have had the chance to know John and learn so much from him regarding history and social injustice. He loved his family immensely and was proud of being a Pittsburgher.. I think he was one of the kindest and most empathetic people I have ever met.
We are very sorry to hear of John’s passing and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. From the first time John and I met, we both felt like we were meeting an “old friend”. John was so warm and caring and he embodied what One World Blue stands for, a better world and a world where we can work together to achieve shared goals for the planet as well as working toward peace. John and I discussed peace a lot and efforts he had done to try and bring Jews and Arabs together. His vision and values he stood for end emulated in his organization We21.org was also a true inspiration. We will miss John greatly, and we cherish the life and legacy he leaves us. Our deepest sympathies are with everyone.
I am saddened beyond words by the passing of my close friend John Serrapere. I have known John for more than 20 years and I was blessed to have his friendship for so long, through his work for disadvantaged young people and in the company of our close mutual friend the late Linda Dickerson with whom John and I spent many happy hours.
John was a kind, loving man with a deep calling to help marginalized people. He was a true champion of the underdog, and he was always ready with a helping hand and comforting, encouraging words.
John will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he touched and enriched. I am honored to have known and loved John. as so many did.
I send my deepest condolences to John’s son and daughter in this sad time.
Nick Palazzetti
Close friend of John since the time at IUP, in Indiana, Pa, I lost, I should say, we lost, someone who often acted as a light-tower, giving examples of generosity and dedication such as always thinking and being concerned about the less fortunate around us and a paladin of social justice. He was loved so much by those who knew him, as well as by his relatives in Agropoli, near Salerno, when I visited them and told them that John was a friend of mine: my wife and I were forced to remain there for two days and the entire John’s Italian family organized in our honor but in his name a glorious party. John, now you are in Peace and it will nottake too long until we see each other again. Ciao Gianni.
John, Rest In Peace my friend. Enjoy seeing some old time baseball stars like Roberto #21 Clemente your favorite.
I will miss our messages and your knowledge and take on the Markets. You will be missed by many. God Bless…. Until we meet again….
John and I met in math class at EAHS in the early 70’s. We kept in touch over the years. John was a supportive and caring friend. Alaina, Dante, and Anthony I am so sorry that you lost your father and father-in-law at such a young age. Every conversation was filled with his love for all of you and how proud he was of you. Your dad (dad-in-law) was selfless – always other directed. SO rare. I am so sad for you and for all of us. The world needs people like him right now. Your dad appreciated and valued family, friends and commitment – let us honor him with reaching out and making a difference.
Some people in life leave an impression on your time here so deeply you just can’t get over life went by so fast,,,,rest in peace…
Leave a Condolence