Oscar Suros

Oscar was born in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba on December 4, 1946. In 1961, at the age of 14, Oscar fled Cuba and came to the United States with Operación Pedro Pan. Separated from his family and with very little, Oscar quickly began to work hard to make an impressive life for himself. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University in 1968, as well as his Master of Science degree in Structural Engineering and Architectural Technology from Columbia University in 1974.

In 1968, Oscar began to work in the Engineering Department of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey at the World Trade Center, where he met his wife, Susan. Throughout his years at Port Authority, Oscar found great fulfillment in contributing to the design and maintenance of world-famous air, rail, and surface transportation facilities. He received the National Hispanic Engineer of the Year Achievement Award in 1994, earned the New Jersey Professional Engineer of the Year Award in 1996, was inducted into the HENAAC Hall of Fame in 1998, and was named Engineer of the Year in 2008 by the Central Jersey American Society of Civil Engineers. In addition, Oscar received the World Trade Center Restoration Team Award for Exceptional Service in 1993 after the WTC bombing, as well as the Exceptional Service Award in 2001 for his response to the 9/11 attack. In 2002, he retired from his position as Chief Structural Engineer and Assistant Chief Engineer for Design after a 34-year career. He went on to work as the Senior Vice President and Director of Transportation for T&M Associates of Middletown, NJ, until his second and final retirement in 2009. Oscar’s work ethic and dedication to his career and colleagues was unparalleled. He spoke of old projects as one might speak of old friends and experienced great joy living out his childhood dream of being an engineer.

Oscar moved to Holmdel, NJ with his wife in 1985, where they lived for 27 years and made many lifelong friends. In 2012, Oscar and Susan moved to Naples, where Oscar was able to enjoy viewing sunsets on the lanai, golfing with the PSA group at The Quarry, and spending time with devoted friends who took exceptional care of him, particularly after the death of his wife.

Oscar had a passion for perfection and a strong intellectual curiosity. He rarely missed a question on Jeopardy and enjoyed working on crossword and jigsaw puzzles in his spare time. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching his Yankees and Giants, win or lose. Oscar was a world traveler, having visited over 50 countries. He enjoyed thoroughly planning trips and providing travel recommendations to others. Oscar was known for his colorful style and could often be easily spotted in a vibrant shirt or tie. Above all else, Oscar valued spending time with family, whether playing board games, hosting pig roasts, or designing the world’s most complex Easter egg hunts. He treasured his daily phone calls with his daughter, Victoria, and was always there to share words of wisdom or encouragement. Oscar was a mentor to many, including his daughter, nephews, colleagues, and friends. He was truly loved and admired by all who had the great fortune of meeting him and his absence will leave a hole in the hearts of many.

Oscar was predeceased by his wife, Susan, his parents, Guillermo and Estela Suros, and his brother, Guillermo Suros. Oscar is survived by his devoted daughter, Victoria, his loving sister, Elvira (Tony), his sister-in-law, Purita, his brother-in law, Andrew (Carolyn), his beloved nephews, Tony (Ana), Francisco (Ines), Renzo (Sandra), Jonathan (Christina), Ryan (Kelsey), as well as many dear friends and family members.

Funeral services will be held at Hodges Funeral Home (525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL) on Thursday, April 15, from 5-9PM. A mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church (7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, FL) on Saturday, April 17, at 1PM. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held in NJ in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Oscar’s memory to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf.org). Oscar’s family also requests that loved ones perform random acts of kindness each year on April 9 and Dec. 4 in Oscar’s memory. Condolences may be left online at www.HodgesNaplesMG.com.