Richard F. Surman

Kate, Ned and Annie,

We are distantly related through my father, Earl Dietz, but that did not stop your parents from extending their hospitality to me, a total stranger.

I will always remember the passion your father had for remembering and honoring the veterans of the Korean War.

I'm sorry for your loss,

Kerry Dietz

Kate, Ned and Annie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your father. He was a wonderful, thoughtful, caring and interesting man. I always enjoyed visiting your house, having a pepsi with you all and listening to any story he may have had...and there were so many, as he had a gift for that. His charismatic personality and tender smile were of great comfort to me at my mother's services in 2003. I will always remember him.
GODSPEED "Mr. Surman."

With Love...

Anne,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. You and your family are in my prayers.

Anne I am so sorry for your loss. I know how it feels to lose someone at Christmastime.

I grew up in Natick beside the Surmans and had enjoyed having my hair braided by Kathleen while drinking root beer floats from Dick's job at Bostonia Beverages! Many happy and fun memories will stay with me for what the Surmans have brought to me in my life.

I interviewed Dick back in the early 1990s for several articles I wrote on Dessert Storm and Veterans Day. I interviewed Katherine for a piece on women serving in Dessert Storm. I remember being so impressed with both Dick and Katherine. I especially liked Dick's sense of humor. They were both such excellent resources. Dick will be surely missed. I will continue to think of him every veteran's day and whenever i come across a reference to the Chosen Few.

Dear Anne,
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy,

There is no doubt Dick's death will be a great loss to all who knew him. I shall miss him every time the Wellesley Veterans gather, every time I go to the polls to vote; at every Senior Thanksgiving dinner and picnic. Always a gentleman, always a smile, always a welcoming word, that was Dick. His absence will be felt by many for many years to come. With deepest sympathy.

Dick was my mother, Molly Callahan's next door neighbor for over 30 years on Srague Road. If ever there was the epitome of a Norman Rockwell neighbor,he was it. Dick was kind and thoughtful and funny and smart and helpful at the drop of a hat.He cared about everyone on the street and watched over them in an un-hovering way. I will always be grateful to him for his consideration of my mother after my father died. Dick was a wonderful man.....and the best neighbor.