William Federhen Surette

1928 - 2025

William Federhen Surette
January 19, 1928 - April 6, 2025
William Federhen Surette passed away on April 6, 2025, in his 97th year. He shared a long and joyful retirement in Vero Beach with his beloved wife of 74 years, Margaret (Peggy) Stegmaier Surette.
Born in Boston on January 19, 1928, Bill grew up in the city and showed early signs of industriousness and independence. As a boy, he joined the Y.M.C.A. and spent weekends at Scoutland, where he and a friend built a cabin to use during the winters. While attending high school, he worked nights as a machinist for the New Haven Railroad, earning 78 cents an hour, servicing steam locomotives, and was a member of the Massachusetts State Guard. At 16, Bill met the love of his life, Peggy.
After graduating from high school in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was deployed to China. Following his military service, he attended Boston University on the G.I. Bill and graduated in 1950. Three days after graduation, he married Peggy, and began his career with General Electric two weeks later.
Over nearly four decades in business, Bill held several key financial leadership roles at General Electric and Union Pacific Corporation. In 1973, he became Chief Financial Officer of Union Pacific Corporation in New York City, overseeing finances across diverse sectors, including energy and mining. He also served as Vice President of Finance for the Union Pacific Foundation and was active in various industry and banking advisory groups. From 1986 to 1993, he served as a trustee and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Boston University.
Bill grew up poor and believed overcoming adversity was a matter of choice and effort. He embodied that belief in every chapter of his life. He was a man of conviction and compassion, known for his sharp wit, sense of humor, and unwavering generosity. He loved his country, his family, and his dogs. A lifelong lover of the water, he enjoyed boating in Boston, Lake George, Long Island Sound, and later in Vero Beach. He was a devoted fan of Frank Sinatra and Broadway and an avid traveler. He embraced spirited social gatherings, golf, and sport shooting.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Margaret (Peggy) Surette, and their four children: William P. Surette (Patsy), Jeaninne Surette Honstein (Robert), Sharon F. Surette, and Jonathan R. Surette (Nancy). He was the proud grandfather of six and a great-grandfather of twelve.
He was predeceased by his parents, Frances and Philip Surette, and his Aunty, Mabel Federhen.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, MCSF.org .