Obituary of Louis "Gus" Serbeck

LOUIS MICHAEL SERBECK "GUS" THE MAN - THE MYTH - THE LEGEND March 10, 1971 ~ April 20, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Louis Michael Serbeck, our beloved Gus, tragically at the age of 54, on Easter Sunday, April 20, a larger-than-life man who touched many lives with his strength, humor, giving heart, and unwavering love and protection towards family and friends. Born and raised in Millville, NJ, to Louis "Big Lou" and Michelle "Mish" (née Ruberti), Gus was an invincible man who took on any task bestowed upon him with dedication and determination to please whoever he was helping. It didn't matter if you were a perfect stranger and he saw you broke down on the side of the road; he would pull over and help you with all his resources, just the same as if you were his very own brother. The instant you met Gus, your life changed forever; you knew from that moment on you had someone in your corner no matter what. Gus didn't have typical friends; every friend was a "best friend." Because that's how he made you feel. There are many stories of Gus throughout our area; as with every Legend, the stories take a life of their own, they become myths, and those myths define the Legend. Gus' Legendary life will never be forgotten, Gus will live on immortally through his many accomplishments. The story of his death, is just one more myth that will define his Legendary life. He laid his life down to do what he does best, to protect his family; to protect his baby girl. In Gus' early years he had a love of anything outdoors: hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, and partying with his brothers and many friends at Bass Pond. Gus lived on Menantico Road with many family members sharing 2 houses. His back yard was literally a paradise, 475 acres of pure wilderness with numerous ponds. As young boys, Rich, Gus, Chris, their little cousins Brucie and Joe, and numerous friends would gather every day at MomMom's house and go out into the wilderness and play for hours on end. All Mish ever wanted was for someone to come check-in before dark so she knew they were all ok. Gus and his brothers were excellent athletes growing up. They all excelled at wrestling and were feared on the mat. Gus and his brothers were inseparable. It didn't take long for Gus to become the protector of not only his brothers, but the entire family. Gus grew up to be a very skilled craftsman; he could do anything with his hands. He loved building, he was an efficient carpenter and roofer, who possessed vast knowledge of the building trades that he wasn't afraid to share with anyone willing to listen and learn. If he was on the jobsite, there were no worries, he could solve any issue that came up. The last company he worked for was owned by his little cousin, Brucie. They were thick as thieves and referred to one another as brothers. He worked side-by-side with his little brother, Chris for years, where they did countless projects and made many happy clients along the way. Whether Gus was inventing one of his famous "jigs" to make a project go faster, or taking inventory of his vast collection of Milwaukee tools and batteries (he has more than Home Depot), he was always the life of the jobsite, and more than willing to teach and help. Gus and his older brother Rich enjoyed many years of hunting & fishing together. They loved anything to do with the sports, and they were damn good at it, especially with their two beloved Labradors; Sadie May and Jake. At the center of Gus' life were his daughters: Summer Lynn and Brooke Lynn. From the moment Gus became a father, his life changed. As giving and helpful as Gus was, there was another side to him. Gus was a very fierce protector, and if you were at odds with Gus or wronged him, his family or friends in any way, you were in for a rough time. A big part of Gus' Legend is his ability to be vicious, but it was never without a cause. Gus was not a bully; in fact, he bullied the bullies. Gus always stood up for the little guy, but he left such a statement, people from all around knew Gus was a man not to be messed with. But that all changed the moment he became a daddy. Summer and Brooke brought out a tender, loving, compassionate side of Gus that many people never saw before. He was never happier than when he had one of his daughters in his arms sharing a big smiling cheek-to-cheek hug. He never missed any of Summer's softball games; and if he disagreed with a coach or a referee, he certainly let them know. He was so damn proud of the athlete Summer became. In his later years, Gus loved to hang out with his youngest daughter Brooke. They were always together, doing something fun and goofy. He'd call off of work to take her to get her hair or nails done, or to take her shopping because she wanted the newest sneaker. Gus was the epitome of a protecting, providing father. Gus' life took on another loving dynamic when he became a PopPop to his two grandsons, Axel and Walker. Gus would be anywhere, Home Depot, Walmart, the flea market, and he'd see something he had to buy for his grandsons. He enjoyed nothing more than spoiling those boys. Gus' daughters and grandsons were his pride and joy. Bigger than the Legend that is Gus; they are the cornerstone of his legacy. Gus was a very direct man, with no filter or tolerance for nonsense. One never had to wonder what was on his mind because he certainly told you (in no uncertain terms). Gus was always the life of the party. He was always the center of attention at any gathering, and was sure to deliver up loads of laughs with his many antics. He loved walking behind all the family's children and putting ice down their back or a cold beer on their neck. He often referred to himself as "Big Daddy" always with a chuckle. He had a memory that was second to none. Gus knew exactly who he loaned what to, who returned it, and who got slick and tried to keep it. Gus loved tinkering around his garage and building something out of nothing. He also loved conspiracy theories, sky watching and recording for aliens and drones. Gus had many alternative theories about life. One of which is the flat earth theory. No matter what it was, he did vast research on the subject to support his view point. He also loved Donald Trump. You see, Gus didn't just believe things because that's what he was told to do. He believed in things with a total conviction, because he researched it. That was just Gus, never a follower, always a leader, and never ashamed to share his opinions or thoughts even if they were controversial. He stood on his beliefs no matter who did or didn't like them. Due to his ability to stand for what he believed in, Gus was a hero to many. Gus is survived by his father, Louis Henry Serbeck; separated-wife, Joy (McLaughlin); his children, Summer Lynn Howe (Stephen), and Brooke Lynn Serbeck; his grandchildren, Axel Michael Howe and Walker John Howe; his Brothers Rich Serbeck Sr. (Kelly) and Christopher Lee Serbeck; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Gus is predeceased by his loving mother, Michelle (Ruberti) Serbeck; paternal grandparents Louis and Margaret Serbeck; and maternal grandparents Rudolph and Letitia Ruberti. Gus' life was one of strength, resilience, unshakable values, protection, service and love. He will be missed by many… Long live the Legend … A funeral home visitation will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1pm to 3pm followed by a memorial service at 3pm from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com