John H. Suurhans

John H. Suurhans, 75, of Norwell, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at his home. John was born in Quincy, MA to the late Johan and Linnea (Mitchell) Suurhans on November 12, 1942.

John attended Quincy High School, before attending Northeastern University where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. He went on to marry the late Elizabeth (Jerpi) Suurhans in April 1964. John and Betty spent forty wonderful years together before her passing in 2006. John leaves two children, Diane (Suurhans) White and her husband Timothy of Hanson and John E. Suurhans and his wife Denise (McEachern) of Norwell. They have four beautiful grandchildren together, Joseph, Charles, and Jillian White of Hanson and Olivia Suurhans of Norwell. John was the brother to the late Eileen Grover from Bremen, ME.

 John went on to marry Eileen (Millar) Suurhans in October of 2010. Often found saying, "I was fortunate to have found  love twice in a lifetime", John and Eileen spent ten loving years together. He leaves two step children, Jennifer Millar and her husband Andrew Roast of London, England, and Mark Millar and his wife Jennifer (Southard) of Weymouth. They have five beautiful grandsons together, Alex, Nathaniel, Christopher, and Joshua Millar and Finlay Roast.

John was lead production foreman for Grass Instrument Company, later Grass Technologies. He worked there for thirty-five years, before retiring. They produced diagnostic medical equipment, specializing in EEG technology, evoked stimuli responses and later sleep. John was highly respected and loved by all who worked for and with him. After retiring from Grass Instruments, John continued to work part-time for the Conservation Department in Norwell, as well as for the Hanover American Legion, Post #149.

John enjoyed many hobbies, such as gardening, photography, music, traveling, his many dogs and cats over the years, Bruins, Patriots, and Red Sox and especially his family and friends. Having traveled all over the world, he loved to experience different foods and cultures. John loved to cook and try new recipes. Family and friends looked forward to his holiday fudge every year. Everyone who knew John, loved his warm smile and easy going personality. A true gentleman beloved by all.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Norwell VNA and Hospice, MGH ALS Clinic, ALS-One, ALS Association of MA, and Compassionate Care ALS for all of their support and caring over the past eighteen months. John struggled with this horrible illness, but persevered with grace and dignity, always.

Visitation will be held at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home in Norwell, MA on March 25, 2018 at 2pm-5pm. A private graveside burial and gathering will take place later this spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to fund ALS research: ALS-One, 8 Industrial Way, Whitman, MA  02382.

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