Serge, Stephen C.

Stephen C. Serge passed away in Las Vegas May 8, 2010. He 
was born in Scranton, Pa., April 3, 1938, to his parents, 
Tonwen Jones Serge and the late Stephen Serge. Steve was a 
first generation American, since his mom was born in Wales 
and dad was born in Sicily. He was a graduate of West 
Scranton High and the Lackawanna Beauty School, where he 
received his license in cosmetology. He also served in the U.S. 
Army Reserves. In the early 1960s, Steve opened his first 
beauty salon in North Scranton. He later moved the salon into 
the Hotel Jermyn and founded "Serge's European Wigs" for 
the the women's wig market business in Scranton. He grew his 
business into a 22-store chain that included Macy's in New 
York City and Bamberger's in Philadelphia. He later moved to 
Las Vegas, where he opened "Serge's Show Girl Wigs" and 
created the largest women's wig store in the USA. Steve was a 
loving and compassionate man who was involved with the 
Cancer Society , donating wigs to women and children who 
were suffering from the disease. He also was supportive of 
Make-A-Wish Foundation. Steve will be sadly missed by his 
family who loved him dearly and his friends. He is survived by 
a daughter, Julie Masterson of Las Vegas; grandchildren, 
Natalie and Quinton Masterson; mother, Tonwen; sisters, 
Barbara Crossin of Scranton and Tonwen "Cookie" Decker and 
husband, Jim, of Clarks Summit, Pa.; brother, Raymond Serge 
and wife, Barbara S. Abington; uncle, Stanley; aunt, Mary 
Serge Karam; and many nieces and nephews. There will be a 
celebration of Steve's life and memories at 7 p.m. Friday, May 
21, at the Potter's House Church, 6720 W. Sahara Ave. In lieu 
of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cancer Society 
and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Published in Las Vegas Review-Journal on May 19, 2010