Gregg S. Surovjak

Gregg S. Surovjak, 65 of Vermilion , died Friday, January 2, 2009 at the New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph in Lorain, following a 6-month illness. He was born February 15, 1943 in Lakewood, Ohio and has been a Vermilion resident since 1998, moving from Lorain. Gregg graduated from Lorain High School in 1960 and attended Bowling Green State University, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He served in the United States Army from July 11, 1966 until May 15, 1969. For 45 years, Gregg, along with his mother, Alice Creagan, co-owned the Svete Travel Bureau & Insurance Agency in Lorain, a family business founded by Gregg's grandfather in 1905. He continued to own and operated the business following his mother's death in 2000. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vermilion, AMVETS Post #22 in Vermilion, the Oberlin Golf Club, a former member of Elyria Country Club and the Outdoor Life Association. He was also a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, the Elks Club in Lorain and SKAL. Gregg enjoyed golf, and especially enjoyed watching his children's sporting events, such as basketball, softball, and baseball. For several years, he also coached the St. Mary's CYO boys and girls basketball. Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Claudia Ann Surovjak (nee Starbuck); daughter, Megan Surovjak and son, Sean Surovjak, both at home; brother, Drew A. Surovjak of Port Clinton; sister, Jane E. Smidebush of Nashville, Indiana; step brothers, Thomas Creagan of Upper Arlington, James F. Creagan of San Antonio, Texas and David Creagan of Pennsylvania; step-sister, Judith Brown of San Antonio, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Emil A. Surovjak in 1963 & Alice M. (Svete) Creagan in 2000, and his step-father, James Creagan in 1999. Friends may call Monday, January 5, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. A Christian Wake service will be held at 3:30 pm and the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors at 7:00 pm. Prayers will be said at the funeral home on Tuesday January 6, 2009 at 10:30 am followed by a 11 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange St. Vermilion, Reverend Dennis St. Marie will officiate Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. For Gregg's family, this life celebration will also include the rememberance of Gregg's mother, Alice. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Surovjak Children's Fund, c/o Lorain National Bank.