Surniak, John Thomas

John Thomas Surniak, 86, Blacksburg, Va., died on Thursday, October 23, 2008, at Montgomery Regional Hospital. He was born in Buffington, Pa., on December 7, 1921, to the late Joseph and Anna Sponar Surniak. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Velma L. Surniak; a brother, Edward Surniak; and three sisters, Nora Ellis, Nora Surniak, and Mary Volpe.

He was a veteran of the 30th Infantry Division of the United States Army having served in World War II. With his division, he was a member of the D-Day invasion at Normandy. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, as well as a member of American Legion Post #182. He enjoyed playing bass in his polka band for over 40 years and was an avid woodworker.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Loretta and Ed Zamer, of Blacksburg, Va.; son and daughter-in-law, Leonard and Debby Surniak, of Herndon, Va.; two grandchildren, Scott Zamer and wife, Leslie, of Ashburn, Va., and Craig Zamer and wife, Katy, of Cookeville, Tenn.; four great-grandchildren, Ryan, Sierra, Lorin and Andrew Zamer; sister and brotherin-law, Leona and Mike Bungo, of Tucson, Ariz.; two brothers and sister-in-law, Walter Surniak, and Leo and Janet Surniak, of Massachusetts; numerous nieces and nephews; and close friends, Quinten Edwards, Rosia Young, Ray Nowak and Wally Opaka.

A funeral mass will be conducted 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2008, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father James Arsenault officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Baptismal Font, 1205 Old Mill Road, Blacksburg, Va. 24060. Friends may call anytime after noon on Friday, October 24, 2008, and the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, S.W., Blacksburg, Va.