A mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, Jan. 3, for Tracy resident Melesio Mendez Serrato, who died in his sleep Dec. 22, 2012, in Tracy.

Mr. Serrato, 87, was born in Acuitzeramo, Michoacán, Mexico, on June 1, 1925. He lived in Tracy more than 60 years, and worked for various farms and a local irrigation district.

He enjoyed family gatherings, listening to Mariachi music and watching his children and grandchildren play sports.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine Serrato; children Willie Serrato and his wife, Mary, Robert Serrato and his wife, Rosemire, Martha Duenas and her husband, Anselmo, Melesio Sereve Serrato Jr., Gilbert Serrato and his wife, Nena, Louie Serrato and his wife, Anna, Eddie Serrato, and Yolanda Montes and her husband, Aldo, all of Tracy.

Also surviving are brothers Marciano Serrato of Valley Center and Alfonso and Roberto Serrato of Escondido; 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marciano and Serapia Mendez Serrato; brothers Salvador and Alfred Serrato; and sisters Maria de Jesus Hurtado, Carolina Perez and Oliva Navarrete.

Thursday’s mass will begin at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 163 W. Eaton Ave., and burial will follow in Tracy Cemetery, 501 E. Schulte Road. Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 2, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 S. Central Ave., followed by a rosary service at 7 p.m. An online guest book is available at www.frymemorialchapel.com.