Father, tireless, award-winning high school, college educator

Louis Anthony Sergio, affectionately known as “Dr. Sergio,” “doc,” uncle Lou, and dad, died peacefully on January 2 at his home in Claremont. He was 95 years old.

Born on January 16, 1929, in Trenton, New Jersey, Louis moved with his family to San Gabriel, California, at 16, where he attended Mark Keppel High School, graduating in 1947.

Throughout his younger years, he dreamed of attending Princeton University in New Jersey and becoming a teacher. That was until his family moved across the country to Southern California. There, his dream shifted to another prominent university, UCLA. During his sophomore year in UCLA’s English history class, he met Lillian Adele Lanphear, who was to be his future wife.  Lillian was also an English major, and both shared a passion for education. After they were married, both graduated from UCLA and became English teachers. While teaching high school English he earned a master’s degree from Cal State University, Los Angeles, and in 1977 a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate School (now Claremont Graduate University).

For 65 years, he dedicated himself to teaching and mentoring students. His unwavering commitment to education earned him the title of teacher of the year at West Covina High School in 1993. The following year, he was named Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year.

Even after retiring from high school teaching, he continued shaping young minds as an adjunct professor in the English department at Mt. San Antonio Community College for 23 years. He capped off his career by being recognized with four distinguished professor awards between 1994 and 2017.

Beyond the classroom, he was deeply involved in educational initiatives. As a member of the Mt. San Antonio Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, he helped establish the PDK Academic Olympiad in 1982, helping students from 28 local high schools for more than two decades. His contributions to education and community service were recognized when he was named West Covina’s Citizen of the Year in 1993.

He also enjoyed the creative moments in his high school teaching years, such as the annual faculty breakfast. He would contribute his time to writing skits, impromptu acting, and sometimes breaking out some of his little-known skills on the harmonica.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian; daughters Tana and Christina; and son-in-law, Scott.

Celebration of life services are scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at Todd Memorial Chapel, 570 N. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA 91767.