Anthony "Bubbles" Serritella

Tony, a Southside Chicago Cubs fan, lover of animals and waitresses - known as an affable flirt who tipped generously - passed away on 5.28.23 at 88 years old.

At the age of 8, Tony got his start peddling newspapers and running numbers on a Loop corner; an experience that fostered street smarts and a charisma he would carry through life. After winning the lead role in his hit high school play “Jenny Kissed Me” (despite never auditioning nor reading the script), he enrolled in the “University of Tony” with the motto: Anything you need to know, you ask me.  It is also where Tony developed a penchant for books and poetry, specifically his own.

The youngest of five siblings, born to Antonio and Antonia, and survived by his sister Dolly, Tony lived in the same Bridgeport three-flat he shared with extended family his entire life. This proud Italian American often touted his many intrinsic talents: fearlessness to spark a conversation with anyone including Prince, Sylvester Stallone, and Harry Caray; unbeatable 16” softball skills; ability to mentally compute columns of fractions (further honed during his CBOE years); and looking several years younger than his biological age.

Tony is also survived by his two “lazy” daughters, Christie and Corrine, who refused to join his alma mater and dared to sleep past 6:00am on weekends. While they didn’t appreciate being awoken and dragged to Las Vegas’ midnight shows for Elvis and the Rat Pack during custodial parental summers, they both now understand and value his unconventional and treasured “life” lessons. Tony leaves behind a deep void, and Chicago will certainly be less colorful without him.

If you wish to honor Tony’s memory, he would love an animal rescue donation. As we can bet Tony already chatted up St. Francis of Assisi, boasting that cash is on its way. It is the story, not the life, that lives eternal.

Prayer Service to be held at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum Chapel on Saturday, June 10th at 10:30am, 1400 S. Wolf Rd, Hillside IL 60162.

                                                                                  PLEASE OMIT FLOWERS

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