Peter Serafini

Peter passed away suddenly of a heart attack at home with family on September 19, 2026.

Peter is deeply mourned by Shirley, his wife of 50 years; his son, Dylan Wolff (Marit); his daughter, Renata Serafini; his son, Dr. Patrick Serafini (Jamie); his grandchildren, Eric Wolff, Alexandra Wolff, Walter Serafini and Eddie Serafini; his loving brothers, John (Linda) and Tosh (Donna); his sister, Jayne (Dan); and his nieces and nephews.

Peter was born in Leeds, England to Joseph Serafini and Sheila Henson. His family came to Canada in 1958 and settled in Ottawa. After graduation from Woodroffe High School, Peter earned a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University.

Following a gap year in Europe with his best friend William Wigle, Peter returned to Ottawa and joined the Public Service of Canada in 1971 where he began his 30-year career in Communications. He retired as Director General of Communications to accompany Shirley to Norway where she served as Canada’s ambassador from 2001 to 2005.

Peter was loving, kind and generous. Above all, he was a family man. In recent years his two young grandsons, Wally and Eddie, brought him so much joy, just like his adult grandchildren, Eric and Alex did when they were young. He loved them all so much.

Beyond family, friends and career, Peter had a wide range of passions and interests. He was a talented creative artist, a collector extraordinaire of mechanical toys and rock and roll music and a lifelong fan of British Soccer (go Leeds go).

The whole family is so grateful for how he always looked out for all of us, including caring for his mother Sheila, his beloved Uncle Barry and Shirley’s parents.

He will be in our hearts forever.

A private interment will be held at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. Donations, if desired, may be made to the charity of your choice.

A celebration of Peter’s life will take place at a later date.