City, state leaders remember Richie Serino the family man and public servant

By Tara Vocino

REVERE – City and state officials reflected on the loss of a loving family man and dedicated public servant following the aftermath of a fast-moving house fire on Tuesday late afternoon. Retired Revere Police Officer Richard Serino, Sr., 77, passed away after his Washington Avenue house caught fire. Serino was administered medical aid at the scene and taken to CHA Everett Hospital, where he later died. State Representative Jessica Giannino said she is heartbroken by the tragic passing of the patriarch of the Serino family, calling him, “a true pillar of the Revere community.”

“Richie wasn’t just a proud Marine, or a veteran Revere police officer, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to so many,” Giannino said. “Our families go back generations, and that deep connection makes this loss feel all the more personal.”

Serino served the police department for 34 years from 1979 to 2013. To the Serino family, especially his wife, Trudy, the kids, the grandkids and her dear friend Ricky, Giannino’s heart is with them during this immensely difficult time.

“I’m also keeping in my thoughts and prayers the Revere firefighters, police, and first responders who answered the call yesterday,” Giannino said. “Responding to an emergency involving one of their own takes incredible strength.”

She watched the first responders in action, adding that it was a solemn reminder of the courage and compassion they bring to every call. Giannino awarded Serino a citation at the State House just last week. “I’m deeply grateful for their bravery and unwavering service, especially in moments like these,” Giannino said.

Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky called Serino “a great guy.” “I knew him for every year he was on the force,” Novoselsky said. “He never said ‘no’ and was always willing to help.”

Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna called Serino “a dedicated family man, who served his country and the city of Revere with pride and honor.”

“It is a devastating loss to all who knew him,” McKenna said.

Many who knew him posted on social media how they’ll miss his decorated house on holidays. His grandson, Ricky, posted that he’s never been prouder to be his grandson and he thanked emergency crews for their heroic efforts in helping to save him and his house.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Mayor Patrick Keefe said he “was saddened to learn of the fatal fire at 661 Washington Street, and of the loss of …Serino. On behalf of the City of Revere, I extend my sincere condolences to the Serino family and loved ones during this unimaginable time of loss.

“Richie Serino was a community staple, who took pride in his home and his family. He comes from a lineage of Reverians with a rich history in public service, and we are grateful for his, and his family’s, contributions to the betterment of our city.”

Keefe added that they “will all miss driving by his legendary holiday decorations, of which he dedicated so much time and care.”

The fire is still under investigation by the Revere Fire Department.