19th St. Park Renamed After 'Big Lou'

Big Lou Serianni

Niagara Falls – Last Saturday, the plan to honor the late Louis S. "Big Lou" Serianni came to fruition.

The 19th St Park, on the corner of 19th St. and Forest, across from Fortuna's restaurant, was renamed and dedicated as the Louis S. 'Big Lou' Serianni Park.

A prominent blue and yellow sign, featuring his name and the quotation, 'Each man's Life touches so many other Lives.' was installed on the outside of the fence of the park where it can be seen by travelers on the street and visitors to the park.

The change of name was initiated through a resolution introduced by Niagara Falls City Council Member Glenn Choolokian last December and approved by the council.

Serianni passed away on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013.

Serianni was an employee of the City of Niagara Falls for over 30 years, retiring from the Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2002.

Choolokian's resolution read in part: "WHEREAS, "Big Lou" was known for offering a helping hand to friend and stranger alike, always with a genuine heart and no hesitation, and

WHEREAS, the humble life of Mr. Serianni demonstrate that everyday deeds performed sincerely with a loving heart are what truly makes a person worthy of respect, and their life worth remembering, 'Each man's Life touches so many other Lives.'.

THEREFORE, because Louis was an elemental part of the 19th Street neighborhood and also to the whole Niagara Falls Community, the Niagara Falls City Council does hereby name this park as "Louis S. 'Big Lou' Serianni Park" in respectful memory of Lou, a fine city resident, a great neighbor and a warmly remembered friend of our City." Serianni lived in this community his entire life, and "quietly helped people, the elderly and children or anyone in need," Choolokian said. "If you needed something done in the community, people went to Big Lou. He was the kind of the man that Niagara Falls was known for. I always said 'we have the best people in the country in Niagara Falls.' Big Lou was one of them."