John Paul Surprenant

John Paul Surprenant, 100, of Palm Bay, Florida passed away on February 26, 2026.

He was born on June 26, 1925, in Fall River, MA to George F. and Alma M. Surprenant (Charest). He graduated from Durfee High School in Fall River.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served in World War II on the highly decorated submarine, USS Tirante (SS-420). As a member of its Medal of Honor crew, Paul received the Presidential Unit Citation. Paul remained in the Navy after the war and served on seven other submarines, four surface ships and taught at the Naval Submarine School. He rose in rank form Seaman Recruit to Senior Chief Petty Officer, having been selected in the first group of that newly created rank. He was then commissioned as an officer and rose to Lieutenant Commander. He retired from the Navy in 1973 after a 30-year career.

He was an avid slow-pitch softball player, bowler, and golfer. He enjoyed keeping in contact with his former shipmates and attending reunions.

Paul is survived by his sister, Vivian Paradis of Oceanside, California, his daughter, Joanie Michaels, and three sons: Charles John Surprenant, Jeffrey Allen Surprenant, Phillip Curtis Surprenant. He is survived by seven grandchildren: John Charles Surprenant, Emily Louise Cole (Surprenant), Michael Christopher Surprenant, Nicole L. Ray (Surprenant), Rachel Marie Urban (Surprenant), Elizabeth Anne Krueger (Surprenant) and John David Surprenant and four great-grandchildren: Mason Allen Cole, Maxwell Carmelito Surprenant, Caroline Ray, and Justin Ray.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, E. Louis Surprenant (Pelley), his son, Christopher Paul Surprenant, his mother Alma, his father George, his brother Bertrand Surprenant, his favorites Aunt Lucina LeBoef (Charest) and her seven siblings.

Paul, his wife Louise, and son Christopher were all veterans of the U.S. Navy. Plans are in progress for simultaneous interment at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL, where a memorial service with military honors will be held.