Hampton, NH

Richard H. Surrette, 84, of Hampton, NH, died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 31, 2021 surrounded by loved ones after a period of declining health. Dick, as he was known, was born in Leominster, MA to Delphine and Henry Surrette. Dick was raised in Leominster and was a star athlete at Leominster High School, where he was captain of the football team and later inducted into the hall of fame. With his athletic talent, Dick was awarded a full football scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross, becoming the first in his family to attend college. During the 1955, 1956 and 1957 seasons, he led the Holy Cross Crusaders in rushing and was again elected captain of the football team in his senior year. Upon graduation, Dick married Judy (Burnap) whom he had met in Junior High at age 13. Dick and Judy were married for over sixty-two years and shared many happy memories together while residing in Arlington Heights, IL, Fitchburg, MA, and Lancaster, MA. After military service in the National Guard, Dick spent twenty-three years at Foster Grant Sunglasses in Chicago and Leominster, rising to the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing while traveling extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. After leaving Foster Grant, he started Five Star Products in Leominster, a plastics molding business that supplied packaging to the produce industry. His wife, Judy, joined Dick at Five Star and the two ran the business together until retiring in 2001. After retirement, Dick and Judy moved to Hampton, NH where they enjoyed the beach life and hosting friends and family.

Dick was pre-deceased by his parents and a sister, Deanne Surrette. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Judy of Hampton, NH. He leaves and will be missed by a sister, Nancy Bessette of Leominster, his four children, Richard D. Surrette and his wife Barbara of Rutland, MA, Barbara Estanislau and her husband, Anthony of Ludlow, MA, Thomas Surrette and his wife Hemal of Cupertino, CA and Patricia Quint and her husband Byron of Boston, MA. Dick also leaves eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Dick was above all, a family man who loved attending his children's and grandchildren's sports events and activities. Dick was honest and hardworking and set a strong example for all who knew him. Dick was also a man of quiet deep faith which gave him a great deal of comfort and was inspirational to those around him. He was a communicant at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Hampton. He lived a good life defined by strength, humility, determination and character, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dick's funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February, 11, 2021 at 11 am in St. Cecilia's Church, 180 Mechanic Street, Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Leo's Cemetery, Leominster. There are no calling hours. www.richardsonfuneralhome.net

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Published by Sentinel & Enterprise on Feb. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Surrette

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7 Entries

Mike Kickham

February 15, 2021

Thanks for the memories. Dick was a standout Athlete at Holy Cross. Always there when I needed some help! Will be missed

Mike Kickham HC 58

Peter Tortorella

February 10, 2021

My father played football with Dick at HC. When my father converted to catholicism his sophomore year, Dick was his Godfather. The story of him and Dick asking coach Anderson for early dismissal from practice to attend my father’s baptism made the National press. Our father always admired Dick and told my brothers and me how tough and talented a player he was. I remember meeting him as a kid and thinking he looked like a movie star with his perfect hair and massive frame. He didn’t say a lot I remember but he commanded attention. Our family is sorry for your loss & empathize with the void you are feeling. They don’t make them like him too often anymore.

Peter Tortorella (our father was Bob Tortorella HC 58)

Bob Golden '58

February 9, 2021

Remember Dick fondly from Holy Cross '58. All four years, he was my favorite running back on the football team and we ended up rooming a couple of doors from each other our Senior year. One day I was playing Erroll Garner's great album, Concert By the Sea. Dick heard it, loved it and asked if he could borrow it. He returned it the next day, but then often asked to borrow it. It remains one of my favorite albums and I think fondly of Dick every time we play Erroll.
Good bless the world with people like Dick. Bob '58.

Dave Mannis

February 9, 2021

To Judy,
I remember Dick so well as Tony Santaniello's roommate Freshman year at H. C. And on your Honeymoon at Lake George NY, where I met you. The two of you were sitting on a dock on the lake, when Tony S. and I went by in a waterski boat and recognized you. We picked you up and took you both water skiing that Summer day not so long ago.
Love and prayers to you and Dick,
Dave Mannis H. C.'58

Jim Cooney

February 9, 2021

Rest In Peace Dick. You were a fine classmate, a humble person and one tough football player. Condolences to your family.
Jim Cooney ‘58

Fr. John P. Davis, Ph.D.

February 9, 2021

fI am sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He and I were corridor mates our freshman year at Holy Cross, and became friends. He was a great guy and star athlete and I as proud to call him "friend". I shall remember him and his family in my Masses this week.

Dylan Quint

February 5, 2021

Dick was my grandfather, he was always a lot of fun to be around. He had a tremendous sense of humor, we had many laughs together. What I appreciated about him is that he always asked about me, he was always thinking about others. Also, he was in high spirits, he appreciated life and always said he was doing well. My best memories with him were watching football and baseball games, his excitement level was through the roof when David Ortiz hit a home run. It is a devastating loss, but I will never forget any of the magical moments we had together.

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