Harry M. Suomi

Harry Melvin Suomi passed away February 11, 2019 at 95 years of age. He was born in Republic, Michigan January 13, 1924. After graduating from Central High School in Republic, he joined the U.S. Navy Submarine Forces in 1942 serving until 1962 as Chief Petty Officer (CPO). He was stationed in WWII Pearl Harbor-Midway Islands; Perth, Australia-Majuro Marshall Islands- Subic Bay, Philippines.

Peace Time stationed in New London, CT, San Diego, CA, Great Lakes Naval Training Center- Washington, D.C. -Fort Churchill Canada with the International Geophysical Year Program. He saw battle in WWII Pacific, making several submarine war patrols aboard the USS Finback -SS230 and the USS Chub - SS329. The Finback was further distinguished by their rescue of George H.W. Bush later to become United States President. The most rewarding thing of his career was to be selected for the commissioning crew of the first ballistic missile sub, the U.S.S. George Washington SSBN 598. He was chief of the launching system for the first Polaris missile firing from a submerged submarine. After 20 years of active duty, he retired and became a field representative for the Navy at Port Canaveral, Florida. He and his wife, Ardella, moved with their three sons, David, Dale, and Duane to Satellite Beach, Florida in 1963.

He was a member of a chartered organization of sub-vets of WWII and frequently attended local meetings and annual national conventions.Harry was also a proud Mason for over 50 years and a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Indian Harbor Beach, Florida.

Harry is preceded in death by his wife; Ardella, son; Duane, granddaughter; Michelle, and son; David.

Survivors include his son; Dale Suomi and his wife Becky, daughter-in-law; Susan Suomi, grandchildren; Kelly Suomi-Fitch (Jason), Derek Suomi (Rachel), Damion Suomi (Brittany), Dustin Suomi, Max Suomi, Steven Suomi (Katherine), great-grandchildren; Marion Suomi, Callum Suomi, Emily Suomi, Thaddeus Suomi, Caleb Fitch and Jackson Fitch.

A funeral service will be held at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 S. US Hwy 1, Rockledge, FL 32955 on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 10am with coffee and visitation starting at 9am. Burial will immediately follow in Florida Memorial Gardens.