Obituary of Louis J Surman

Louis J. Surman, 85, formerly of Peabody, died Tuesday morning surrounded by his family in the Alzheimer’s Unit at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford, Mass. He was the beloved husband of Phyllis (Kohut) Surman, with whom he shared over 56 years of marriage. Louis was born in Peabody, the son of the late John and Victoria (Tarnowsky) Surman. He was raised and educated in Peabody, a graduate of Peabody High Class of 1941 where he was a 3 sport athlete. He served in the Navy during WW II, and upon his return attended Georgetown University where he was a star punter and tight-end, graduating in 1950. He then began his 42 year long career in the Peabody School System, most notably the principal of Samuel Brown School, retiring in 1993. Throughout his life he fulfilled his love of sports and dedication to youth by serving the community as a coach, mentor and fan of various local area sports. He spent summers as a park supervisor with Peabody’s recreation department. In 1993 Lou was inducted as a charter member of the Peabody Athletic Hall of Fame. He was an active member of St. Ann’s Church and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In addition to his loving wife, Lou will be dearly missed by his 5 children, MaryAnn Wanelik and her husband Bill of Hampstead, NH, Michael Surman and his wife Sharon of Smithfield, ME, Christine Surman of Woburn, Lisa Guide and her husband Alex of Derry, NH, and Gregory Surman and his wife Jennifer of Peabody, 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Cassie Pechinsky, Alfred, and Leon Surman. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His Funeral will be held on Friday at 9:00 AM from the Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Ann’s Church, South Peabody at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations be made in his name to Bedford VAMC Voluntary Service, 62CD, ENRM VA Hospital, 200 Springs Rd., Bedford, MA 01730