Walter E. Surko Jr.

Walter E. "Turk" Surko, Jr., 87, of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Florida, passed away Thursday July 27, 2023, at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton, FL. Born in New Britain, son of the late Walter Surko Sr. and Lydia (Bodach) Surko, he graduated from Berlin High School in 1954 and served during peacetime with the US Army. A former resident of Southington, he moved to Florida in 2003. Walter was employed in the P&F Corbin Division of American Hardware, now Emhart Corporation in Berlin, where he was a vice president, retiring in 1990. An accomplished engineer, he invented devices for the lock and door industry; twenty of his inventions are patented with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

He was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in New Britain. During different times in his life he enjoyed riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, and playing guitar, golf and softball."

Walter was predeceased by his first wife, Beverly (Jones) Surko and his second wife Carol (Dorsey) Surko. Surviving is a step son, Bill Belden and his wife Denise of Southington; three step grandsons; his twin sister, Eleanore Nickolas of Southington; a niece, Karen Strobel and her husband Will; two nephews, Michael Nickolas and his wife Faith, and David Nickolas and his wife Laurie; several grand nieces and grand nephews. Walter was predeceased by a step son Craig Belden. Special thanks go to Lise, Jill and Michele for all their compassion and care in Florida.

A private family service will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Macular Degeneration Fund PO Box 515 Northampton, MA 01060. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain, is in charge of arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com