Irving P. Surette

Irving P. Surette, age 95, passed away on Friday, September 1^st, 2023 surrounded by loved ones in Pepperell, MA. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. 

 

Irving was born March 25^th, 1928 in Wakefield, MA. He was “technically” the first of six children, being the first-born twin, to parents Jeffrey and Julia (Muse) Surette.  He graduated Brewster Academy in 1951 in Wolfeboro, NH.

 

Irving was a US Marine from 1946 – 1959, serving in both WWII and the Korean wars. He was recognized for his honorable service, receiving 5 medals: Victory WWII Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Medal and Marine Sharpshooter Medal. Irving ended his military career in the Marine Corps Reserves. 

 

After his service, he married the love of his life, Gertrude (Burns) Surette, with whom he shared 70 beautiful years. Their love for each other could often be seen during one of their many spontaneous dances to their wedding song “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. Some of their best times together were spent wintering in Bradenton, FL. They had a storybook love affair for over 70 years; a marriage to be modeled after. 

 

Irving loved reading, playing golf and spending time with his family. He recently played a round of golf, paring a few holes and even hit a hole in one, several years back. One of his greatest passions was telling stories; he was not a man of many words, but his 95 long years created many thrilling and entertaining stories. 

 

Irving was a patient, caring man who always made time for people. His zest for life and upbeat personality always filled the room. His quick wit and charm made him the life of the party. He will be sorely missed. 

 

He was predeceased by his parents, Jeffrey & Julia (Muse) Surette, twin sister Catherine Millerick, his brother Roy Surette, his brother David Surette, and his granddaughter Nicole Ashley.

 

Surviving in addition to his wife, Gertrude (Burns) Surette, his sister Louise Connley, his brother Philip Surette & wife Nancy Surette, his son Peter Surette & wife Susan Surette, his daughter Christine Layne & husband Rick Layne, his daughter Lisa Hyslip & husband Craig Hyslip, his grandchildren, Richard Layne Jr, Jillian Layne, Kaitlyn Barry, Abbigail Denton & Samantha Hyslip and his great-grandchildren,  Logan Ashley, Isabella Layne, Penelope Layne, Elizabeth Barry, Charlotte Barry and Jameson Barry.

 

Irving’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace worshiping at St. Joseph Church, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell, MA on Wednesday, October 11th at 1:30 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at The Barn at Gibbet Hill, 61 Lowell Rd., Groton, MA.