David P. Surovec

1947 - 2022

David P Surovec
December 9, 1947 - April 26, 2022
Clarence, Pennsylvania - David Phillip Surovec, 74, of Clarence, PA passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 in Salamanca, NY. Born on December 9, 1947, in Clarence, he was the son of the late Michael and Anna (Vangor) Surovec.
David was a graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School. He served with the United States Army in Vietnam where he earned the rank of SP5 and received his honorable discharge on November 13, 1970. Following his service, he attended Penn State University on the GI Bill and graduated with a BA in Finance, becoming the first member of his family to earn a college degree and inspiring countless nieces and nephews to follow in his footsteps by showing them that higher education was within reach.
After graduating from Penn State, David moved to Dover, DE, where he worked for 20 years at Delaware State University, retiring in 2003 as the Director of Data Processing. Following his retirement, he returned to his hometown, where he lived for many years with his sister Kathryn and brother John in their childhood home and helped to care for them until their deaths in 2020.
Gifted with a wry sense of humor, David would listen quietly to loud conversations around the kitchen table, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to insert a witty remark–often cracking himself up as much as he did his family. He enjoyed reading mystery novels, visiting casinos, the anticipation of a scratch-off ticket, and jigsaw puzzle Sundays with his brothers Mike and Rick, as well as anyone else who stopped by for a visit. He also enjoyed completing various home projects with the help of his great-great-nephews, Chase and Joseph, including decorating the house both inside and out every Christmas.
David is survived by his three brothers: Michael Surovec and his wife, Barbara, of Bellefonte; Andrew Surovec and his wife, Kathy, of Bellefonte; and Richard Surovec and his wife, Dorothy, of Snow Shoe. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will miss his sly wit and infectious laughter.
Along with his parents, David was preceded in death by two brothers, John Surovec and Joseph Surovec; and seven sisters: Ruth Gasper, Kathryn Surovec, Marie Schmidt, Christine Surovec, Justine Miller, Helen Garman and Mildred Confer.
Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 11am, at the Queen of Archangels Parish Church in Clarence with Father Michael Wolfe officiating, followed by a graveside service with full military honors at St. Michaels Cemetery in Clarence.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4250 Crums Mill Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17112 and the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #850, PO Box 1718. Dover, DE 19903.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, 106 W. Sycamore St. Snow Shoe. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.