Retired Sargent Major Alfred L. DeSerio was born on November 25, 1906. He served for 42 years with the United States Marine Corps, World War II, Korea and two tours of duty in Vietnam died peacefully on May 5, 2012.

Alfred 'Sarge' was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award by the Upper Darby Marine Corps League Detachment #884 on 1/18/2012.

St. Francis Country House Chapel. Sarge resided here since 2002, after losing his sight.

Upper Darby Marine Corps League Detachment #884 Chaplin Carmine Laino saying good bye to Sarge

John Morris stands watch at casket

Volunteers, residents and staff at St. Francis Country House call Alfred “Sarge”. He is a member of the centurion club at age 105. Sarge is friendly, talks with everyone, he can recognize you by your voice, has a good sense of humor and is always smiling.

The chapel at St. Francis Country House is a beautiful place of worship

Pat 'Knobby' Condi was one of Alfred's best friends at St. Francis Country House

Jim Turchia was Sarge's room mate at St. Francis Country House

Chuck Krautheim, past Commandant of the Upper Darby Marine Corps League Detachment #884 stands his watch

Dorothy Barnes was a long time friend of Alfred's. Sarge helped out at her Newsstand and was always around her seven children. He was like a grandfather to them.

Commandant George Souder places a golden eagle, globe and anchor on Alfred.

Dorothy Barnes says good bye to Sargent Major Alfred L. DeSerio

St. Francis Country House Chaplin Father Edward Kennedy saying prayers for the repose of the soul of Sargent Major Alfred L. DeSerio

Marine honor guard from the Folsom, PA detachment await the arrival of 'Sarge'

Marine carry team transports the remains of retired Sargent Major Alfred L. DeSerio to his final resting spot

Father Edward Kennedy giving blessing for the soul of Sargent Major Alfred L. DeSerio

Three volleys of fire for a 21 gun salute

And then taps is played

This Flag of the United States of America will be folded 13 times and handed to the next of kin.

The first fold of our Flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the
veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of
their lives for the defense of our
country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as
American citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in
times of peace as well as in time of war for His
divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the
words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing
with other countries may she always be right; but it
is still our country, right or wrong. "
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is
with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America, and to the
Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for
it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our
country and our flag against all her enemies, whether
they be found within or without the boundaries of our
Republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered
into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might
see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it
flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has
been through their faith, their love, loyalty and
devotion that the character of the men and women who
have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he,
too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense
of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen
represents the lower portion of the seal of King David
and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God
of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen,
represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in
their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

When the Flag is completely folded, the stars are
uppermost reminding us of our Nation's motto, "In God
We Trust." After the Flag is completely folded and
tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat,
ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under
General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines
who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were
followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed
Forces of the United States, preserving for us the
rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

The American flag is presented to Dorothy Barnes

Dorothy places a single red rose of Sarge's casket

Sandra Krautheim of the Upper Darby Marine Corps League Ladies Auxiliary places her rose on Sargent Major Alfred L. DeSerio casket