Vincent E. Surkovich, 84, of Atlantic, RD Houtzdale, passed away at 8:23 a.m., July 16, 2012 at the Altoona Hospital. Vince was born on May 23, 1928, in Atlantic, a son of the late Michael and Mary (Chren) Surkovich.
In 1946, he graduated from the former Bigler Twp. High School, Madera. While in high school, Vince played three sports, Baseball and Basketball and was the starting quarterback on the football team. After high school, he served in the US Army during the Korean War as an engineer. He worked for a time as a coal miner and later retired as a Postal Clerk from the Houtzdale Post Office after 25 years service.
Vince was a parishioner of Christ The King Catholic Church, Houtzdale where he served as an a usher for many years. He was a 3rd degree member of Our Lady of The Valley Knights of Columbus and was a member of the United States Postal Union.
On June 27, 1953, in the former St. Barbara’s Roman Catholic Church, Houtzdale, he married Mary J. (Waslosky) Surkovich who survives of Atlantic.
Vince is survived by three children; Carol Luzier and her husband Dennis of West Decatur; James Surkovich and his wife Sherrie of Clearfield and Nancy Surkovich of Philadelphia. A granddaughter, Allison Luzier and her companion Johnny Holt; sister-in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to his parents, Vince was preceded in death by a son, David Paul Surkovich; four brothers, Michael, Steve “Scram”, Joseph and John; five sisters, Mary Onderko, Anna Surkovich, Elizabeth Gmerek, Veronica “Ronnie” Conlon and Margaret Garbinsky.
In his earlier years Vince was a member of two bands, the Variety Notes and the Musical Mountaineers. He enjoyed playing the guitar, dancing, hunting and fishing. He also would work crossword puzzles and mastered the computer.
Friends will be received on July 18 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on July 19 from 8:30 -9:15 a.m. at the Kruise Funeral Home, Inc Ramey. A Knights of Columbus memorial service will be held at 7:45 p.m., Wednesday in the funeral home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ The King Catholic Church, Houtzdale. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Brisbin, with military honors being accorded by the Osceola Mills Honor Guard. Memorial donations in honor of Vince may be made to Christ the King Church, 123 Good St. Houtzdale or to a charity of the donors choice. Condolences can be sent to: condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com.
