John R. "Jack" Surfield

John R. “Jack” Surfield, 74 of Rauchtown passed away Saturday morning, July 02, 2022 at his residence.  He was born April 2, 1948 in Williamsport; the son of John J. and Aileen May Surfield.  He was married October 28, 1972 to the former Margaret R “Peggy” Baier. 

He retired in 2013 from Premier Builders of Muncy Homes as a forklift operator.  He was a member of the Oval United Methodist Church.  He was also a member of the N.R.A. and various 22 Caliber Shooting Clubs.  He was a former member of the Mustang Club and was an avid fly fisherman.  He also enjoyed hunting.

His survivors include his wife, Peggy of nearly 50 years, his daughter Heather A. Sweeney (Robert) of Harrisburg, and a son John Husler Surfield of Talladega, Alabama; along with his grandson Trevor.

His daughter Heather wrote the following of her father:

“Close your eyes and imagine a young man 16 years old laying in a hospital bed – so  ill – death was knocking at his door.  Paralyzed from the waist down – a wanted experiment in the 1960s of the after effect of Scarlet Fever developing Nephritis.  Helpless, desperate, clinging to life.  Yet even after multiple attempts to investigate, his family still said “No experimenting on my son”.  Six months later – he comes out of this devastating illness.  Told by his doctor that he will never father children, be able to work in laborious conditions, and most likely won’t live past the age of 25.  I guess that’s why my brother and I are such strong willed people.  We inherited it from survivors.  Not only did my father live to be 74, he held many a laborious jobs, multiple at some times.  Fathered two children and taught us to be victorious.  School, work, socializing…he had a hand in it.  Although he wasn’t always the easiest person to understand, he did his job as a father, mentor, and leader.  Because of this, my brother and I grew up to be even more loving, yet strong individuals.  Everyone always says you can never pay back the deceased…just because they are gone, doesn’t mean that they are forgotten.  Here I stand, here my brother stands, here my mother stands, united by a family bond.  Forever.  Even when each and every one of us may pass.  Like the Rainbow Bridge, out paths will cross again.  Until then rest in peace Dad.  Be sure to enjoy all of the fishing, building, and recreation that Heaven has to offer.  Our paths will cross again.  Until then, you have my forever thankfulness that I was blessed to have you as my father.  Love you Dad.”

Jack’s Life Tribute Service will be held at 11AM, Friday, July 8th, 2022 with a public visitation from 10-11AM at the Oval United Methodist Church, Rte. 44 in Oval with his pastor, Reverend Daniel Havrilla officiating.  Following the service, interment will be in Rosecrans Cemetery in Loganton.  The arrangements are being taken care of by Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home of Jersey Shore.

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