The Irvington Fire Department mourns the loss of retired firefighter Richard "Serta" Warnke. Serta was a active firefighter for 20 years and held the position of fire company president.

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Richard J. Warnke, a longtime Irvington resident died July 6, 2017 with his family by his side. He was born in the Bronx on March 14, 1942 and was the son of Henry and Eileen Mohnkern Warnke. After graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School, Richard went on to serve in the Unites States Navy from 1961 to 1966.

On March 30, 1968, he married Margaret Rodgers in St. Denis Church in Yonkers. Shortly afterwards, the couple settled in Irvington where they raised their family.

Richard had worked for the Town of Greenburgh in the Water Department until he retired. He was also a longtime active member of the Irvington Fire Department.

He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 49 years. Also surviving are his loving children Sharon (Brian) McLaughlin, Peter (Janet) Warnke and Janet (James) Kovacs and his loving grandchildren Kevin and Kate McLaughlin, Jill Warnke and Reese and Justin Kovacs. He is also survived by his brother Henry C. Warnke and his sister Eileen Delulio.

Visitation will be at Coffey Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. His Funeral Mass will be on Monday at 11:30 at Immaculate Conception Church Irvington with interment and Naval Honors to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Calvary Hospice www.calvaryhospital.org would be appreciated.