Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Farrell Funeral Home, Inc.

684 State Street

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

John Saurman Obituary

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - John Saurman, 62, of Portsmouth, N.H., passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2017, surrounded by his loving family at home.

His primary passion was for sports. He was a member of International Association of Approved Basketball Officials for 25 years. He loved working as a starter at the Pease Golf Course where he made many long-time friends.

John is survived by his wife, Melanie Martin; daughter, Sara and her husband Matt Stone and his grandson Sawyer of Raymond, Maine; daughter, Jessica Saurman of Colorado Springs, Colorado; daughter, Olivia Saurman of Portsmouth, and many other family members.

SERVICES: Visiting hours will be held April 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Farrell Funeral Home, Portsmouth, N.H. A private memorial service will be held. A celebration of his life for all will be held at Grill 28 from 12 to 4 p.m., April 28 in Portsmouth, N.H.

In lieu of flowers please donate in John's memory to one of the following of the charities that helped him over the last several years: Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital, ATTN: P.D. Program, 105 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801; National Kidney Foundation: www.kidney.org/donate

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Seacoastonline.com from Apr. 24 to Apr. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Saurman

Not sure what to say?





Linda Iocovozzi

May 6, 2017

Melanie and family..so very sorry to hear of John's passing, I can still remember him from when he coached my brother's basketball games many years ago....with sincere sympathy, you are in our prayers..

May 4, 2017

Dear Mel and Family,
We were very saddened to hear of John's passing. He will surely be missed by family and friends. Please know that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult period.
Sincerely
John and Maureen Sullivan

Jake Rodden

May 3, 2017

Melanie and family; Sorry for your loss. John and I had many good sports conversations every time he came into the insurance office. He was always a pleasure to meet with. I will miss him calling in.

Cheryl Fratamico

May 2, 2017

Dear Melanie, Olivia, and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of John. Sending healing
prayers and comforting hugs your way during this difficult
time... Love, Cheryl Fratamico

Jeanine Allen

May 2, 2017

I am so sad to hear of John's passing. He was a genuine, great person. One I feel lucky to have met. I'll never forget his wit and sense of humor. He could always break a stressful day at work with a joke or smart comment. My son still has the basketball John gave him when he was a year old, his first basketball. He's 13 now. I'm sorry I missed the calling hours as I was away last week. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please know he was loved by all who met him.

May 1, 2017

Dear Melanie,
We are so very sorry to hear this news and send our deepest sympathy. May his memory be eternal. Deb and Steve Walker

Valerie Boulter

April 30, 2017

Dearest Melanie and family....My deepest and most sincere sympathy. A line from the Wizard of Oz....."A heart is not judged but how much one loves, but how much one is loved by others".....Love and hugs Valerie Boulter

Bob Thiboutot

April 30, 2017

Sympathies to John's family.
Many fond memories of John, an honest, thoughtful, straight shooter.
An all around good guy and friend.

Wendy Ramsdell

April 28, 2017

Melanie,
I am so sorry for your loss! Scott and I are thinking of you and your family. Surrounding you in light and love!
Wendy

Jimmy Scanlon

April 28, 2017

We all meet special people along the road of our life. I was lucky enough to meet John at Pease years ago, He was a truly unique and funny person. My prayers and sympathy to his Family.

Peter & Laurie Lambert

April 28, 2017

Sorry to hear of John's passing. he was a good friend and a fun guy to ref games with. Our sympathies to all his family.

April 28, 2017

Dear Mel, I just heard...I am so very sorry to hear about John. My heart goes out to you and Olivia and your stepchildren. So hard to know what to say but know that I love and miss you and hope to give you a huge hug when we have a chance to see each other again. I'll be thinking of you all. Love, Sue Magro

Warren Spencer

April 27, 2017

RIP You were a good school mate !!!Sincere condolences to the family

April 27, 2017

Dear Melanie: I was saddened to hear of John's passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Love, Yvonne

April 26, 2017

With many sympathies to his family and friends.
Henry Priebe

April 26, 2017

So very sorry and deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. He was a good friend for many years.

Ted Seavey

Sam Adams

April 26, 2017

He was a great man who will be missed greatly.

Jeannie (LeBlanc) Ashmore

April 26, 2017

To all the Saurman family, please accept my most sincere condolences. John was a close friend of my ex-husband Bill Robinson and was a groomsman in our wedding. I remember his sense of humor and love of sports. He was so tall in the wedding photos too as I recall. Prayers and thoughts to you all.

April 26, 2017

Jess and Family - our deepest sympathies.

UCCS Aging Center Staff and Students
Colorado Springs

Deb Dearborn

April 26, 2017

So deeply sorry for your loss. A wonderful man who loved his family. He always had a kind word and a smile and was a pleasure to work with. He will be missed.

April 26, 2017

Melanie,
I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jeanne Pease

Heidi and Scott Maddock

April 26, 2017

So deeply sorry to hear of John's passing. Many memories of such a wonderful guy. Thinking of all his family during this difficult time.

Kathie Salvadore

April 26, 2017

John you will be greatly missed. You were a pleasure to work with at AAG.

Kat Anania

April 26, 2017

Mel and family ~ I am truly heartbroken that this world has lost such a wonderful man who was larger than life and a personality to match. As my fellow neighbor, I'll always remember the fun family BBQ gatherings he hosted in his backyard, as well as when he reffed my son's basketball games at the Connie Bean. He was always fair, and would reflect on the game with a few kind suggestions to teach the kids what went wrong and mostly what they did right. My heart aches for you all as I send my deepest condolences and prayers to the family. We'll always remember John with a smile because you rarely saw him without one. I pray for peace in your hearts as you face the days ahead. ~ Kat Anania

Dick Vittum

April 25, 2017

Dougie, Janet and the Saurman family, I`m sorry to hear of John`s passing may he RIP.

Donna Waterman-Gladhill

April 25, 2017

Sorry to hear of John's passing.

Joel Poilchronopoulos

April 25, 2017

So sorry to hear of the passing of John. Our friendship started by working many basketball games together. It was always entertaining to discuss rule interpretations with him. He was like a brother to me on the basketball court. He was a kind and compassionate friend and will be missed by all. May Peace be with you.

Linda Pelletier Driscoll

April 25, 2017

Julie and Melanie I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family

Linda Brawn Smith

April 25, 2017

I keep thinking about our early years all together --the Saurman's and the Brawn's. Those were wonderful parts of my life, and I wish John peace and all of us lasting memories

April 25, 2017

John was always a great guy to be around. He loved reffing games and always gave it his all. A good guy who will be missed.

April 25, 2017

I have known John since childhood as we grew up in the same neighborhood and were immediately friends. John was a very nice man and I always enjoyed talking to him when we'd run into each other as adults. I was so saddened to learn of his passing and send my deepest sympathy to his wife, children and grandchildren, and to his siblings, Doug, Janet and Julie. I am so very sorry.

Aaron Wensley

April 25, 2017

My sincerest condolences to Melanie and the girls. I worked with John for several years, and had the opportunity to talk sports with him at the proverbial water cooler on many occasions, and even got to see him referee a game once. Anyone who knew John knows that he truly had the gift of gab and a certain enthusiasm about life that made him a truly enjoyable person to be around. He will be missed.

Dave Hilt

April 25, 2017

We met in 1975 and every time we have seen each other since it's like it was yesterday. Fondly remembered, sorely missed. Dave Hilt - Phi Mu Delta

Michael Chambers

April 25, 2017

John was a fellow coworker of mine at Relyco. He was a Great man to be around and did his job well on a daily basis with a smile and always upbeat attitude. My prayers go to his family at this time of loss. He will be missed.

Gregory Ball

April 25, 2017

To the family of John its with a heavy heart that I am signing this book. John and I became friends in the 80's when we were both working at Artisan outlet and you would look forward to going to work everyday knowing that John would keep you smiling and laughing.I also had the opportunity to ref a basketball game with him on an occasion and enjoyed the times I worked with him.May God bless and now John will be working the big games where it counts.

Rob Dumond

April 25, 2017

John was a GREAT Guy. I enjoyed everyday working with and hearing his stories!!

Leah Stevens-Lainez

April 25, 2017

Prayers and thoughts to the family. I am sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

April 25, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you Melanie and your entire family. Loreen

KELLEY

April 25, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING THE FAMILY A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

Stephen MacDougall

April 24, 2017

John was fraternity brother and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Rest In Peace, brother.

Trisha Smith

April 24, 2017

My thoughts and prayers go out to John's family. May he watch over them and guide them through this difficult time. Much love Trisha (Grattelo) Smith

pam newland

April 24, 2017

my prayers and thoughs go out to John's family sisters and brother, may he rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results

Make a Donation
in John Saurman's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for John Saurman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Farrell Funeral Home, Inc.

684 State Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Saurman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more