Willard B. Surko

Born and raised in Mariners Harbor, he was a graduate of McKee High School. He remained in Mariners Harbor for more than 50 years before moving to Florida in 1990 and to Whiting in 2000.

Mr. Surko served in both the U.S. Army and the National Guard, for a total of 18 years.

He worked for the New York City Fire Department for 28 years, at Engine Co. 32 and Engine Co. 6 in Manhattan. He retired in 1990.

A proud grandfather, he adored spending time with his family. In his leisure time, Mr. Surko also enjoyed gardening and traveling the United States, and recently took a trip to Israel.

His daughter, Jennifer Rose Surko, died in 1991.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, the former Rose Lombardi; two sons, Norman and Willard Jr.; a daughter, Lisa Surko-Pagano; a sister, Delores Werner; a brother, Edward; six grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Arrangements, including cremation, are being handled by the Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, Manchester, N.J.