Miguel Eliseo Serrano Chinchilla

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blount & Curry CH Carrollwood, at 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618. Mass in his honor will be celebrated on Friday, May 26, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Paul Catholic Church at 12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. Father Bill Swengros will officiate. Burial will immediately follow the services at Garden of Memories at 4207 E. Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610.

Miguel Serrano was born in El Salvador to the late Miguel and Julia Chinchilla Serrano on May 24, 1933. He studied violin and graduated from the Royal College of Music in England. Miguel organized a chamber music orchestra and performed as a soloist at the Ruben Dario Theater in El Salvador and performed across the United States. He joined the Costa Rica National Symphony Orchestra in San José, and later, the Florida Orchestra in Tampa. Miguel was also an entomologist, and was the owner of Tropical Butterflies of America. Miguel married Gladys Estela Elias-Reyes in San Salvador, and enjoyed 56 years together. He is preceded by his brother Mario Serrano of Connecticut. He is survived by his wife Estela, his sister Ileana Bash of Salt Lake City, his brother Francisco Serrano of El Salvador, his daughters Cristina and Roxana of Tampa, his sons Alex of Ft. Lauderdale and Carlos of Dallas, and 9 grandchildren. Miguel was a devout Roman Catholic, lived a selfless life, and was unanimously regarded as an exemplary husband, father, and friend. Miguel loved classical music, performed in countless concerts during his long career as an orchestra violinist and was a violin teacher. Miguel was also a butterfly expert with extensive knowledge of species worldwide. He enjoyed collecting rocks and stamps. He was adored by his family and will be forever missed.

A reception immediately after the funeral will be held at his daughter Cristina Sayre’s home.