Serena R. Nevant

Serena R. Nevant, of Hermitage, formerly of Farrell, passed away on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at St. John XXIII after a six-month illness. She was 96.

Mrs. Nevant was born on March 6, 1930, in Farrell, to Carmine and Theresa (Meli) Tizio, and graduated from Farrell High School in 1948. She was employed for many years as a secretary at Meyer Frank Furniture Store, Farrell.

On July 27, 1951, she married Thomas J. Nevant, who passed away on July 20, 2010.

In 1969, at age 39, while raising four sons, she began attending Penn State-Sharon part-time to fulfill a lifelong ambition to be a teacher. Despite her other responsibilities, she managed to earn her degree in four and a half years, suma-cum-laude, from Slippery Rock University; and later earned a master’s degree at Westminster College, again, suma-cum-laude.

In 1974, she was hired to teach language arts at the Farrell Area School District and retired after the 1993 school year. She was very committed to her teaching duties and took interest and pride in the accomplishments of her former students, some of whom she stayed in contact with for the rest of her life.

In her life, she was an active member of various clubs, including: Jr. Women’s Club, College Club of Sharon, The Bethany Club of Fatima Church, and the PA State Education Association. She enjoyed playing bridge, at which she competed at a high level for more than 60 years. She also enjoyed baking and spending time with her lifelong friends: Gloria (Chiodo) Barth, Pauline (Zukas) Sostarich, Sally (Capson) Celenzi, Dorothy (Bucholz) Ziccardi, and Shirley (Patt) Carnino, whose friendship and loyalty she treasured.

Surviving are sons: Attorney James and wife Deborah, Farrell, Theodore and wife Lisa, Dallas, TX, Dr Christopher and wife Christine, Asheville, NC, and Thomas J. Jr. and wife Jodi, Plano, TX, as well as sister-in-law Helen Tizio.

Her surviving grandchildren are Gabrielle, Carmen, James, John, and Suzanne Nevant; Rachel (Nevant) Hein and husband James, and Jake Neil; as well as many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Michael, in 1960; her grandson, T.J. Nevant; and her brothers, Joseph, Phillip, John Tizio and his wife Betty Jane; and her beloved niece, Cynthia Richenbacher.

In her later years, she treasured the time spent with her niece, Theresa Templeton, and nephew, Adolf Richenbacher, with whom she enjoyed many dinners and outings.

She also wanted to extend her gratitude to her neighbors Ed and Lee Hoagland, the staff at John XXIII, and Steel City Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, online at: https://www.stjude.org/donate; or the Stey-Nevant Public Library, 1000 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, PA 16121.

There will be no calling hours per Mrs. Nevant’s wishes. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday (11-7-26) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 601 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, with Rev. Glenn Whitman, as celebrant.

Interment: St. Anthony Cemetery, Hermitage.