Date of death: 8/3/2017
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1954
Parma Joseph “Tommy” Sergi died peacefully on August 3, 2017 surrounded by his beloved family. He was born Palm Sunday, April 10, 1927 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Giuseppe Sergi and Teresa Zappia, both immigrants from Plati, Italy. He attended Holy Cross Catholic grade school, Saint Meinrad Seminary, and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1946, remaining a faithful alumnus of all three and had lifelong friends from each. He proudly served in both WWII and the Korean War in the US Army. On November 3, 1956 he married Roseanne Oberting at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and in 1961 moved to Nativity parish in Franklin Township where he raised his family and lived for 56 years. He was a foreman in the Composing Room at the Indianapolis Star-News and retired in 1992 after 38 years of employment. He made many sacrifices in order to send five children to Nativity Grade School and Roncalli High School and supported both schools long after his children had graduated. He played baseball as a young man, bowled, and was an avid golfer well into his early 80’s. He adapted the teachings of St Benedict, the founder of St Meinrad, to his own life and often repeated the phrase “Ora et Labora” (pray and work) as well as the teaching of hospitality to all. He often gave charitable gifts to the poor and needy, homeless, missionaries, and Native Americans. He believed in family and set a high standard of what it meant to be a loving father, faithful husband, provider, and steward of God not only to his immediate family but to nieces, nephews, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. He had a contagious smile and a positive attitude even in the most challenging times. He was preceded in death by his parents, Giuseppe and Teresa Sergi, brothers Anthony, Dominic, Frank and Rocco, and daughter Noel. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Roseanne, his children Linda Melton, Paul Sergi (Toni), Phil Sergi (Linda), Joanne Sergi, Steve Sergi (Anita); grandchildren Kristina Melton Swatts (Chris), Brian Sergi, Ross Sergi (Katelyn), Vince Sergi, Brad Parish, Margo Sergi-Parish, Andrea Sergi, Marianne Sergi, Sophia Sergi; great-grandchildren Caterina Sergi, Isaac Swatts, and Lucas Swatts, brother Michael Sergi (Diana) and sister Maria Lorenzano, sister-in-law Karen Oberting as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.