Antonio T Serrano's Obituary
Antonio Toledano Serrano, 78, of Tampa, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on April 19, 1947, in Fernán-Núñez, a small town in Andalucía, Spain, to the late Bernardo Serrano and María Toledano Serrano.
Antonio held a deep and enduring love for his hometown of Fernán-Núñez. Though he left as a teenager, he maintained close ties throughout his life, cherishing its people, customs, traditions, cuisine, and especially his extended family. He found great joy in traveling between his homes in Tampa and Fernán-Núñez, continuing to do so for as long as he was able.
A lifelong passion of Antonio’s was flamenco music. As a young man, he studied and mastered the flamenco guitar, which led him to travel the world as a professional musician. He admired legends such as Camarón de la Isla and Paco de Lucía, the latter of whom he was honored to call a friend. In 1975, he was contracted by the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City for what would become his final engagement as a professional guitarist. Choosing to make Tampa his home, he embraced the opportunities before him, and in 1978, he met the love of his life, his wife, Candy.
An immigrant who achieved the American dream, Antonio was a strong and devoted man, known for his tireless work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Together, he and Candy built and operated several successful businesses, including Craftsman Roofing, Mediterranean Tile Designs, and Candy’s Properties.
Proud of his Spanish heritage, Antonio became a member of the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago, where he formed many lasting friendships and had the distinguished honor of serving as El Rey XXXV in 2007.
Antonio lived a full and beautiful life, leaving behind a legacy of determination, perseverance, and passion that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Candy Serrano; his children, Sandra Stephenson (Michael), Bernardo Serrano, and Daniel Serrano; his sisters, Dolores Zegarra (Julio) and María Schmidt; his brother, Jesús Serrano (Roxanne); his granddaughter, Sierra Stephenson; his grandson, Arlo Dalton Serrano; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends in both the United States and Spain.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Antonio’s life on Saturday, April 25, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Boza & Roel Funeral Home, 4730 North Armenia Avenue, Tampa. Those who wish to share their memories are warmly welcome to do so.
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