Warren L Serenbetz, Jr., deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away in his sleep at his home in Wilton on Friday morning, Oct. 4. Since the passing of his own father a decade ago, Warren embraced the role of patriarch for a large extended family, carrying forward the family legacy with pride. His steady hand guided them; his wise counsel, business acumen, humility, and thoughtfulness will be sorely missed.
Warren, eldest of four boys, was born in Flushing, New York on Mar. 30, 1952, to parents Warren L. Serenbetz Sr. and Thelma R. Serenbetz. He grew up in Larchmont and graduated from Lehigh University in 1974 with a BS in Industrial Engineering. He worked at Eastman Kodak out of college and then attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a Master of Business Administration in 1978. Warren’s career was distinguished by his role as vice president at American National Can (Pechiney Plastics Packaging/ Cebal). In 2003 he assumed the role of president of Radcliff Group, Inc. and Hickory Enterprises LP.
While at Lehigh, Warren met his wife of 48 years, Cynthia, marrying her in 1976. After business school Warren and Cindi moved to White Plains, NY, and then to Wilton, where they raised their family and remained active members in the community for 40 years.
Warren was a devoted member of Hope Church where he volunteered his time as elder and treasurer, among other roles. He was also active in local politics, having been elected to the Wilton Board of Finance for 10 years and holding the role of chairman for eight of those years. He also served as chairman of Wilton’s Board of Assessment Appeals and was on the Investment Committee to the Pension Trust. Beginning in 1997, Warren served as a trustee and committee member of the Serenbetz Family Foundation.
Warren cherished time-honored family traditions and enjoyed celebrating holidays and planning vacations with his family. He had a love for boating and tennis, helping organize a longstanding men’s tennis group in Wilton. He and Cindi spent many happy days with their children and grandchildren at their summer home in Branford, CT, where they were members of the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club.
Warren is preceded to heaven by his mother and father and is survived by his wife Cindi; his daughter Christin and her husband Adam Weberman of Fairfield; his son Warren L Serenbetz III and his wife Jennifer Swift Serenbetz of Sandy, UT; his son Robert C. Serenbetz of Salt Lake City; his grandchildren Caleb and Sammie Weberman and Ainsley and Zelie Serenbetz; his brothers Paul, Stuart, and Clay; and his large extended family.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m. at Hope Church (240 Wolfpit Rd.).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Church in Warren’s name.
Warren was a good man and a friend, providing me with continual guidance over the last several years. He was one of the first to approach me about running for the Board of Finance, and as a mentor, he helped me navigate the process of running for office. He continued to advise me when I followed in his footsteps to become Chair. Over the years, Warren imparted a lot of wisdom, but he particularly emphasized the ‘Wilton Way’—transparency, collaboration, and consensus-building. These qualities reflect the values he stood for. Wilton is a far better place because of Warren’s service. Thank you, Warren, for all that you’ve done for our town and for being a good friend. Your leadership, guidance, and friendship will be missed
Warren you have gone to your eternal home, far too soon. I will remember your counseling, high ethics and friendship as my coworker at American Can. Cindi and Family I send you my sincere condolences as you grieve Warren’s passing and may our Lord comfort you through these hard times. Denise R
Warren was a gift to Wilton. He cared deeply about family, friends, colleagues and our community.
He was knowledgeable and extremely generous in sharing that knowledge.
When serving with Warren you had to be on your game, but he made it all so much fun.
I’ll always be grateful for all that he taught me, his friendship and his support. He will be greatly missed.
Broken hearted, will miss Warren sorely. Our deepest sympathies to his loving wife Cindi and family. For his God, his family, his friends & his Town, Good & Faithful Servant.
Warren was a friend and colleague for over 30 years. We worked closely together at American National Can and in Town government, during which time we addressed many business challenges and shared many good times. Warren was a pleasure to work with – always prepared, consistent and principled. He generously contributed many years of service to Town government, which greatly benefited and enriched our community.
I will miss his warm smile and friendship.
I am so sorry to hear of Warren’s passing. My heart goes out to Cindi and family. He was a wonderful man, kind and supportive and had such a good heart. He used his gifts to help family, church, friends and community. I know he will be greatly missed. I pray God’s blessing and peace on those he left behind.
In earlier days, Warren was a much beloved member of Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, NY, where he and Cindi led youth programs. He will be remembered with love and gratitude for his warmth, energy and devotion to his church family, especially the young adults.