Serafin Cruz Fermin Sr.

Serafin Cruz Fermin Sr., husband, father, grandpa, papa, great grandpa, brother, and everyone’s favorite uncle, went home to our Lord on December 23, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 79.

Serafin was one of seven children and born February 18, 1942, in Pasig, Rizal, Philippines to Florencia and Godofredo Fermin. He grew up in the Philippines before moving to Guam in 1962. It was here that he met the love of his life, Thelma Gamboa Caburian, and the two married October 16, 1965. Shortly after, they moved to Long Beach, California where they lived over 40 years before moving to Las Vegas in 2009.

Serafin loved to travel; it’s of no surprise as he worked for Pan American Airways for over 25 years in the Fleet Service. In addition to traveling, he also loved to play golf. How fortunate then, that the Pan American Golf Club allowed him to combine his love of the two. His many adventures took him to Europe, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean, to name a few.

After Pan Am was grounded in the 90s, Serafin found that early retirement didn’t suit him. He worked at Disneyland for several years, bringing joy to others and enjoying the perks of a Disney cast member, playing in the park with Thelma on his days off.

Once retired, Serafin and Thelma continued to travel the world and went on tours to visit many religious sites in the Holy Land and throughout Europe. When they weren’t traveling, he was an avid poker player and Texas Hold’em was his game. You could find him at a table on any given Sunday while watching his beloved San Francisco 49ers or Giants. He loved reading the newspaper and working on his daily crossword puzzles, while sipping his cup of coffee with Thelma by his side.

Ever the jokester, Serafin loved to tell jokes – he loved hearing people laugh even more. His grandchildren and great granddaughter were the apples of his eye, bringing him so much joy, and he’d often brag about them when talking with friends.  His greatest happiness was being able to take care of his grandchildren and watch them grow.

Serafin is survived by his wife and soul mate of 56 years, Thelma, son Bob, daughter Veronica (Daniel) Chou, grandchildren Danielle Fermin, Bailee Fermin, Logan Fermin, Evangeline Chou, Caleb Chou, and great granddaughter Avery Carr.

A viewing will be held Thursday, January 13, 2022, from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Luyben Dilday Mortuary 5161 Arbor Road, Long Beach, CA 90808. The funeral mass will be held Friday, January 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, 4714 Clark Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90808. The family invites you to join them in celebration of Serafin’s life at Pan American Park immediately following the mass. A private family burial will take place at a later date.