Arthur Andrews Surette II

Arthur Andrews Surette, II of Sugar Land, Texas was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Arthur and Martha Surette on August 12, 1959. He was the oldest of six children and the proud big brother who set the tone with his generous spirit, loyal heart, and quick wit.

Art’s family moved to Houston, Texas, during his youth, and it was there that he would build his lifelong home and legacy. He was a committed member of the Catholic Community, and his faith was a foundation of his life—visible not just in his actions but literally hanging in the form of rosary beads on his front porch, from his rearview mirror, and throughout his home. He believed that rosary beads could serve as a sign to proudly show your faith, and he lived that belief every day.

He graduated from Cy-Fair High School in Houston, TX and was a proud graduate of Texas State University in San Marcus, TX where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). It was in these years that he formed a tight-knit group of lifelong friends—his own “band of brothers.” College was where he not only found his calling in the electrical trade but also developed the leadership and passion that would shape his career and influence an entire industry.

Art’s electrical career started during his college days as an apprentice electrician, passing his journeyman exam at 21, and evolved into a National Master Electrician and project manager for contractors in telecom, industrial heat tracing, petro chem, pipeline and design build commercial. He was a subject matter expert for the State of Texas and served on the committee that writes the Master Electrician Exam. He passed 13 national electrical exams in 90 days along with the business and law portion. Art founded Surette Construction Services and was the Principal Voting Member at National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). He later fulfilled his dream of giving back to the field as the founding Owner and CEO at Training the Next Generation Techs, a school dedicated to mentoring and educating the next generation of tradesmen. This wasn’t just his career, it was his calling.

He was a throwback to a time when work was done with pride, grit, and without shortcuts – he gave 100% every day. Arts advise to the young tradesman: “Sleep, go home at a reasonable hour and sleep. Get up on time–(as a lifelong Houstonian known for its traffic and of course a nod to Arts humor) .. avoid road rage going to work and be patient about going home, then enjoy whatever you do once you get home.”

As the oldest of six kids, Art naturally stepped into the role of protector and sometimes the one who delivered the hard truth we needed to hear. He was like the guardian of our little gang. His leadership and protective nature weren’t learned in college or adulthood – they were formed with each sibling’s arrival. By the time the youngest was born, Art had already mastered the role – at just 10 years old.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man” Colossians 3:23

Art is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Surette, Sr, his sisters Annie Surette-Barney and Vicky Surette-Dion. He grandparents Jack and Margaret Bisson and William and Marie Surette. His cousin Debbie, Aunt Betty and his favorite Uncle Billy.

He is survived by the first and last women in his life, his mother Martha and his loving wife, Manyuan. His brothers Pat, Pete and wife Rachel and his sister Jenny. His daughter Margaret, his nieces and nephews Sam, Grace, Nicolas and wife Claire, Jack, Evelyn, and Haley. His Surette cousins Denise and Diane, and his Bisson cousins, Denise, Michael, John, Peggy and Kathi, Aunt’s Joanne and Karen and Uncles Jim and John.

In addition to his loved ones, he leaves behind a lifelong brotherhood – a group of colleagues who became like family as they trailblazed the electrical industry together.

Donations can be made in Arts name to Prince of Peace Catholic Community in Houston, TX.