Edward John Surdek, 88, of Burlington, Vt., died on December 3, 2024.
Ed was born on March 13, 1936, in Montréal, the son of Walter and Mary (Dabrowicz) Surdek. He attended Montréal Institute of Technology and Sir George Williams University (now Concordia).
Ed grew up from humble beginnings and made pivotal decisions which set the course of his future. After several years pursuing the love of his life, Therese Chevrier, he finally won her over, and they were married on September 27, 1958. The first six years of their marriage were spent in Pointe-Saint-Charles before they relocated to the U.S. in 1964. They moved to Connecticut, where he worked for Sperry Semiconductor, and eventually settled in Vermont in 1967, where he spent most of his life. A house bought in Burlington’s New North End was a perfect place to raise a family and provided easy access to Canada for extended family visits, smoked meat indulgences and cheering on his beloved Canadiens. Ed’s career as an engineer flourished during 26 years with IBM, allowing him to pursue his passion for innovation. His work led to extensive travel throughout Europe and Japan and an extended assignment in Germany.
Ed was a genuine man, straightforward and without pretense. What you saw was exactly who he was. He was proud of his many accomplishments and awards during his IBM career, most notably an Outstanding Contribution Award after introducing a new wafer manufacturing process.
Those who knew Ed always saw a big smile on his face. His laughter was contagious. His big heart was truly one of a kind and defied all odds. While he can be credited with making wise choices, he also had a little luck and some help from UVM Cardiology along the way.
There is an endless supply of unforgettable Ed-isms. Ed could master foreign languages in less than 24 hours, and his IBM stories about the good ole days became more and more embellished as he repeated them. He loved researching products more than buying them and was a fierce cribbage competitor and avid collector of things. He couldn’t pass a bowl of mints without grabbing a handful!
Family and friends were at the center of Ed’s life. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and took joy in meeting new people. He rarely missed a game, concert or school activity for his children or grandchildren. Whether it was golfing with his IBM buddies in Vermont and Florida or traveling with loved ones, Ed embraced life’s adventures. “You better believe it!” Ed lived a full and rich life!
His biggest accomplishment was his family, who he cared for deeply and who loved him just as much. Ed is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Therese. He will be deeply missed by their four children and spouses, John Surdek (Denise), Linda Young (David), Rob Surdek (Jill) and Nancy Westbrook (David); 11 grandchildren and spouses, Laura Demerath (Calvin), Austin Young, Anna Golann (Colden), Michael Surdek, Connor Young, Emily Surdek, Samantha Surdek, Libby Westbrook, Ryan Surdek, and Glenna and Mimi Westbrook; and two great-grandchildren, Tate and Briggs Golann. He is also survived by his sister, Stella Surdek (Mehdi). Ed was predeceased by his parents and brother, Chester Surdek.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on March 29, 2025, 11 a.m., at Christ the King in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to BHS Athletics, Burlington High School, 67 Cherry St., Burlington, VT 05401. Arrangements are in the care of Champlain Cremation of South Burlington. To send condolences to his family, please visit champlaincremation.com.
This article appears in Dec 4-10, 2024.