Ernie Serrano Sr., patriarch of the Serrano’s Mexican Food restaurants family, died today of bone cancer. He was 79.

The Serranos lay claim to operating the oldest, continuously family-owned business in Chandler, having opened its doors in 1919. For the first 60 years, Serrano’s sold clothing. It wasn’t until 1979 that Ernie and Eva Serrano decided to open a small Mexican restaurant.

Today, the family has seven Serrano’s in the East Valley, plus a Mexican breakfast eatery called Brunchies in downtown Chandler. (Read my July 2007 review of Serrano’s in Chandler.)

Serrano is survived by his wife, eight children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The visitation for Ernie Serrano Sr. will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church  in Chandler. The rosary will be said at 7 p.m.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be sent to the St. Mary’s Building Fund.

Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • Tempe • Serrano's |

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.