Richard Francis Surrette Sr

Richard F. Surrette Sr. “Dick”, 90, of Watertown, MA passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, surrounded by family at the VA Hospital in Bedford, MA. Dick was the devoted husband of Sarah “Sally” (Mackie) Surrette for the last 27 years, and a loving father to Paula, Faye, and Richard Jr.

Dick was born on June 4th, 1934, in Arlington, MA, to Frederick Sr and Frances Rita (Kedian) Surrette. After high school, he served in the US Army in Korea and graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in electrical engineering. Dick moved to Rockland, MA in 1957 and started a family with his first wife, Jean (Porter) Surrette. A small business owner and inventor, he always found time for his family and community with roles on the School Committee, Rockland Lions Club, Citizens Scholarship Foundation, and Rockland Youth Basketball.

The Surrette family spent summers camping at White Lake State Park in New Hampshire and eventually built a home in nearby Freedom, NH. While semi-retired, Dick enjoyed fishing, woodworking, painting, and golfing. He continued to serve on a new community’s school board and drove a school bus.

After Jean’s passing, Dick met Sally, and they developed family traditions together. Holidays and gatherings with dad cooking will be a fond memory for all who shared. Their home in Parsonsfield, ME on the golf course near Province Lake became the new gathering spot for friends and family. He stayed busy working at the golf course as a ranger and enjoyed chatting with the golfers and shepherding geese. Later in life, Dick and Sally moved to Watertown, MA where he settled into retirement. After years of serving his country, community, and family, we say goodbye to a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Dick is survived by his wife Sally Surrette; daughter Paula Harvey (Ed) of Chester, NH, daughter Faye Surrette (George Henrich) of Parsonsfield, ME, and son Rich Surrette (Barbara) of Bourne, MA; stepsons Patrick Real (Dorothy) of Newton, NH, Kevin Real (significant other Elise Crowston) of CT, and Terrence Real of OR; grandchildren Kerstin, Owen, and Kaeli Surrette, Chelsea, Jonas, Keira and Kaitlyn Real; siblings Jean Pynn (Ralph) of NH, and Maryanne Hutchins (Bill) of FL; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick Sr and Frances Surrette, wife Jean Surrette, brother Frederick Surrette Jr, and grandson Tim Harvey. A celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date.