Michael Thomas Serra, 82, of Wooster, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 29, 2026, with his devoted friend and caregiver, Dorean Ivino, by his side.

Mike was born on May 5, 1944, in Wayne County, Michigan, to Nicholas Jr. and Vida (Lingler) Serra.

On June 7, 1975, he married the love of his life, Ruth Anne Janiszewski. Ruth preceded him in death in 2020 after nearly 45 years of marriage.

A proud veteran, Mike served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Throughout his career, he combined his passion for history and aviation with his professional pursuits. He worked in hobby retail, served as Vice President of a Military Model Distribution Company and Squadron Shops, and conducted research for Squadron/Signal Publications.

Mike was especially passionate about sharing his knowledge with others. For more than seven years, he served as a presenter at Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum, where he brought history to life for countless visitors. His interests included military history, aviation history, automotive history, and history in general.

Mike will be remembered for his quick wit, engaging storytelling, and passion for sharing history. Whether speaking at Greenfield Village, or the Henry Ford Museum, or among family and friends, he enjoyed bringing the past to life and inspiring others through his knowledge and enthusiasm. He was deeply dedicated to honoring veterans and preserving their stories for future generations. He was a member of Smithville United Methodist Church and served as a former Vice President of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter in Wooster.

Mike is survived by his sisters, Karen Wagner of Layton, Utah and her husband Richard Wagner, and Janet Wolk of Henderson, Nevada and her husband Don Wolk; his nephew, Jim Wagner and his wife Tiffany Wagner; his nieces, Nicole Wagner Owings and her husband James Owings and Karlie Wolk Valencia and her husband Arthuro Valencia; his nephew, Ethan Wolk; extended family members Bili Wagner widow of Wayne Wagner; and his dear friend and caregiver, Dorean Ivino, and her husband, James.

In addition to his beloved wife, Ruth, Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, and his nephew, Wayne Wagner.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster. Inurnment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Gardens.

Friends will be received on Friday from 4:00-6:00 PM at the funeral home.

McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill Street, Wooster, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com