Steven Vincent Serra

Steven Vincent Serra, 54, was proudly born in Flint, Michigan. He lived in Michigan until he moved to Birmingham,AL in 1983. He then began high school at John Carroll, where he was deemed “The new kid”. He did not let that intimidate him. Steven had the ability to adapt in any circle and built many life long friendships from JCHS. He was the first in his family to earn a bachelors degree in Business from Auburn University.

Steven passed unexpectedly but peacefully on February 13, 2023. He was a devoted and loving father to Jack Anthony Serra , Isabella Francis Serra and his sidekick, Moe.

He owned and operated automotive dealerships. Steven was respected nationally for his business accomplishments. He earned the position as one of the youngest Toyota dealers in the country at Serra Toyota of Birmingham in 1991 and was recognized with numerous President Awards from Toyota. He grew and led the Steve Serra Auto Group to unprecedented success. He considered and treated his work-family, like family. He extended love, provided great leadership and demanded each associates’ personal best. His one of a kind wit, intelligence and humor made every interaction cherished and special. He cultivated an environment of growth, opportunity, self improvement, integrity, and a deep responsibility to serving the community. His generosity with numerouse philanthropic projects was vast, for which he was proud.

Steven was very proud of his Italian lineage. He could most often be spotted wearing some form of Italian attire…although not Gucci. Most likely a Calabria tshirt or sweatshirt. He was working on learning to speak Italian,primarily, Italian slang. Steven’s daughter Bella speaks fluent Italian and he wanted to be able to banter with her. He was an avid movie enthusiast. He delighted in watching movies and film with family. This appreciation of film likely inspired his son, Jack’s love for film. Jack is studying at New York Film Academy.

Steven loved to deep sea fish. One of his happiest days was when he finally received notice that after 19 years…he was finally off the ‘waitlist” for a boat slip at the Sandestin marina. He promptly purchased a modest fishing boat which sat unapologetically between two yachts. He didn’t need a yacht to let people know he was successful. He simply wanted a vessel to fish and build memories with dear friends and family.

Steven deeply loved his parents, his siblings, niece and nephews, cousins aunts and uncles. Love of family was paramount and he dearly loved. Steven leaves behind his children, Jack Anthony Serra, Isabella Frances Serra ,his best friend, partner and father; Anthony Frances Serra (Mary Margaret), his best friend and beloved mother, Shirley Anne Serra, his siblings, Kevin Serra (Ashley), and Kristina Visser, niece, Caroline Serra, nephews, Charlie Serra, Max Visser, Joseph Visser and Vincent Visser. He had two paternal cousins, Stacie Rohn (Jared) and Marc Granata (Steven) and over 20 maternal first cousins. He leaves behind friends that he deemed his brothers, Donnie and the entire Shunnarah family, JM,MM,MS,DH and many others

A visitation for Steven will be held Monday, February 20, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 4600 Preserve Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35226, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of customary remembrances memorial contributions in honor of Steven may be directed to Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama, 3821 John Williamson Dr., Hueytown, AL 35023, bgcca.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Serra family.