Richard H. Surrette

Richard H. Surrette, 84, of Hampton, NH, died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 31, 2021 surrounded by loved ones after a period of declining health.  Dick, as he was known, was born in Leominster, MA to Delphine and Henry Surrette.  Dick was raised in Leominster and was a star athlete at Leominster High School, where he was captain of the football team and later inducted into the hall of fame.  With his athletic talent, Dick was awarded a full football scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross, becoming the first in his family to attend college. During the 1955, 1956 and 1957 seasons, he led the Holy Cross Crusaders in rushing and was again elected captain of the football team in his senior year. Upon graduation, Dick married Judy (Burnap) whom he had met in Junior High at age 13.  Dick and Judy were married for over sixty-two years and shared many happy memories together while residing in Arlington Heights, IL, Fitchburg, MA, and Lancaster, MA. After military service in the National Guard, Dick spent twenty-three years at Foster Grant Sunglasses in Chicago and Leominster, rising to the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing while traveling extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.  After leaving Foster Grant, he started Five Star Products in Leominster, a plastics molding business that supplied packaging to the produce industry.  His wife, Judy, joined Dick at Five Star and the two ran the business together until retiring in 2001.  After retirement, Dick and Judy moved to Hampton, NH where they enjoyed the beach life and hosting friends and family. 

Dick was pre-deceased by his parents and a sister, Deanne Surrette.  Dick is survived by his loving wife, Judy of Hampton, NH. He leaves and will be missed by a sister, Nancy Bessette of Leominster, his four children, Richard D. Surrette and his wife Barbara of Rutland, MA, Barbara Estanislau and her husband, Anthony of Ludlow, MA, Thomas Surrette and his wife Hemal of Cupertino, CA and Patricia Quint and her husband Byron of Boston, MA.  Dick also leaves eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 

Dick was above all, a family man who loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sports events and activities. Dick was honest and hardworking and set a strong example for all who knew him.  Dick was also a man of quiet deep faith which gave him a great deal of comfort and was inspirational to those around him.  He was a communicant at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Hampton.  He lived a good life defined by strength, humility, determination and character, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dick’s funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February, 11, 2021 at 11am in St. Cecilia’s Church, 180 Mechanic Street, Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Leo’s Cemetery, Leominster. There are no calling hours. www.richardsonfuneralhome.net

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard H. Surrette, please visit our floral store.