David A. Surbeck, 66, architect and entrepreneur passed away July 23, 2008, after battling cancer for thirty years. David was born November 22, 1941 in Bryn Mawr to Carlton and Katherine (Biel) Surbeck. He graduated from Episcopal Academy in 1960 and with a BS in architecture from North Carolina State University in 1966, where he won an ALCOA Aluminum design award for an innovative design. He then worked for a year at the Tennessee Valley Authority. He continued to work in the architectural field, expanding his repertoire to include architecture models, ground-breaking prefabricated wall systems, and ornamental decorative plaster/fiberglass products. Using his knowledge of sculpture and product design he co-founded Jet Stream Manufacturing (1991) and later Surbeck Waterjet Company (2001) where he expanded new computer and high pressure water cutting technology for use in buildings and art. He felt privileged that his son Jason shared in his work at his companies. Examples of his work can be seen locally in places like Radnor High School and Episcopal Academy. Artist Janet Zweig's portrait of Dave (sitting in his wheelchair) appears in her tile installation at the NYC Prince Street Subway Station.

In addition, he designed and constructed a family summer home on Martha's Vineyard that incorporated a unique prefabricated insulated panel system that acted as a structural skin and support system, which he fabricated in the family's small basement in Wayne. He was an inveterate tinkerer restoring furniture and an antique pool table he rescued as a teenager. Confined to his wheelchair he made raised garden beds so he could grow tomatoes which he gave to friends and neighbors.

Committed to his community he co-founded and coached for the Radnor Soccer Club, coached little league baseball and was President of the Wayne Elementary PTA. He was an elder of Wayne Presbyterian Church. His wheelchair let him motor around Wayne where he enjoyed talking to neighbors and friends. Fortunately when he had mishaps in his wheelchair there were always caring citizens to help. Socializing with friends made him happiest, whether gathered together to eat a good meal, watch an Eagles or Phillies game or simply to relax with family and enjoy his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, his sons, Jason and David Surbeck, his daughter-in-law Catherine Surbeck and granddaughters' Chloe and Maya. Additionally he leaves behind his twin sister Elizabeth and her husband Michael Biddle, his brother Richard Surbeck and his wife Margaret, and his sister-in-law Patricia Surbeck. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Carlton Surbeck (husband of Patricia). He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Richard Cushing and sister-in-law Erica Fritz and her husband Russell Fritz.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the charity of your choice or to City Lights Network care of Wayne Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday August 2nd, at Wayne Presbyterian Church, 125 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087.