Jerome R. Surak, 78, of Bridgewater, NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Shamokin, PA, Jerry was the son of the late Anna and Ray Surak.

Jerry attended New York University (where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity) before ultimately graduating summa cum laude from Fordham University in 1977, with a BS in Computer Science and Economics. He went on to have a successful career, first as a Managing Director of Telcordia Technologies, and later as a Chief Scientist at SAIC. He began his career in 1971, as an engineering associate with AT&T in White Plains, NY. During his time with Telcordia, he was the first to manage an innovative technical organization called Rapid Systems Integration. His professional life was highlighted by his keen management and technical skills. Always respected for his integrity and creative problem-solving, he made a significant difference in the lives of hundreds of his employees and was held in the highest esteem by his peers. He retired in 2014, after 43 years in the telecommunications field.

Jerry was a gifted three-sport collegiate athlete (football, basketball and baseball). He was a member of the 1969 NYU College World Series team, which was recognized by the NYU Hall of Fame on its 40th anniversary. He was also inducted into the Bernie Romanoski Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1964-1965 Our Lady of Lourdes High School basketball team (Shamokin, PA).

Jerry later transferred his love of sports into a love of coaching youth baseball and basketball. He coordinated the youth basketball program at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church in Bridgewater, NJ for over 10 years, coaching at every grade level during that time. He also coached in the youth baseball league in Bridgewater and managed the high school’s summer Junior American Legion baseball team. He taught his players the importance of good sportsmanship, both in winning and in losing.

He was an avid golfer, a lifelong NY Jets season ticket holder, and a NY Mets fan. He was a wine connoisseur, an excellent cook, and a generous host. He enjoyed listening to music and attending Broadway shows.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his sister, Judy Surak, and his brother-in-law, James Avitabile.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Bernadette (nee Avitabile), his loving son, Zachary, and his wife, Pamela, his cherished grandchildren, Nathaniel, Charlotte, and Madeline, his dear brother Michael Surak, his dear niece and nephew, Trisha and Jonathan, and his many cousins and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, 500 Route 22 East, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

A viewing and wake service will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Bongiovi Funeral Home, 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ, from 5PM to 8 PM.  Monday, April 20, 2026 from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM.  Funeral Mass 10 AM, St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, 500 US-22, Bridgewater, NJ.  Interment, St. Bernard Cemetery, Route 28, Briidgewater.

                                       "Forever in Our Hearts"