Robert E. Surdan passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday Dec. 14th, 2022 from complications after surgery. Although he will no longer be seen on his afternoon dog walks or strolling the links, he will be reunited in heaven with some great company.

Bob, or Bobby to his family, was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He was born outside of Chicago and was a lifelong Cubs, Bears, and Yankees fan (and more recently Alabama Football!) – Micky Mantle was his favorite growing up. He moved to New Jersey and married his wife of 37 years, Debbie. They built a life together and raised their girls, Stacey and Kelsey, there. More recently, Bob and Debbie moved to Roswell, Georgia and into Horseshoe Bend, right down the road from family. 

When younger, Bob played baseball, basketball, ran cross-country, and was an excellent student. His parents, Herman and Barbara, now passed, built their little baby-boom family together, surrounded by dozens of aunts, uncles and cousins from the Miller clan.

Bob graduated from Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ and then from Lehigh University as an Industrial Engineer. He made a career of planning production for ridiculously complex manufacturing and supply chains, mainly for medical devices with Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson and Integra Lifesciences.

Once in Atlanta Bob loved being a member at Horseshoe Bend. He enjoyed the company and camaraderie of the regular golf crew that played every weekend. In the end, he was living his best life as a member of the club, playing and enjoying his favorite game.

While an accomplished engineer and golf guy, Bob was really all about family. He was an uncle to Lindsey, Erin, Jackie, Michelle, and his godson, Alex and brother to Barb, Peggy and Ken. Most of all, nothing mattered more to him than Debbie and their daughters. Stacey and Kelsey were the brightest stars in his sky. He was not a very demonstrative or talkative man, at least not without a Makers in his hand, but oh how he loved his girls. And he was thrilled when they started to excel professionally, through good character plus both made such good choices and married Andrew and Mitchell. We never saw him prouder than when he was holding them as babies, except maybe on their wedding days. His girls were so proud to call him dad and he felt pride to his core that he was their father every day.

Bob, while not a boastful or arrogant man, far exceeded what most people would wish for in a good son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend. He always said, "Life is full of choices", and he always chose the path that brought him to family.  He was the quiet string that held everything and everyone together. The best advise giver, hug holder and joker if you listened for the subtle sarcasm of an exceptionally smart guy. If you knew him, you knew he was a great man. That was more than enough for Bob, and it was wonderful for all those who got to share this life with him. He will be missed more than he could ever know.

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Bob was not the person who liked to be the center of attention or who wanted big fanfare events in his name. So, the family will be holding an intimate memorial to celebrate his life and legacy in the near future. Plans are in the works and will be shared once finalized. 

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