Serafim was born in Viniani, Evrytanias to George and Virginia Raptis. He married Penelope Mantis in 1952, and together they had five children: Virginia "Nia" (Mihael), Stavroula, George, Tommy, and Nick. They would also have seven grandchildren: Kostas, John, Jacob, Thomas, Alexis, Lea, and Joseph. After starting their family, Serafim and Penelope immigrated to America in 1974, where they settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. Three of their children (Tommy, Nick, and George) accompanied them. For many years he would work for a local factory owned by the Lance Company. Serafim was a humble, hard-working man that loved gardening and spending time with his family, which were by his side when he passed.