Grafton – Jon Craig Surprise of Grafton passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Troy, Craig was the son of the late John E. and Lois M. Wagner Surprise. Craig resided in Grafton most of his life. He was a graduate of LaSalle Institute and Huson Valley Community College.
Craig had a 37-year career with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and when he retired, he was a Traveling Operator for Hydro Facilities and Substations. Craig was Tax Assessor for many years at a number of municipalities. He was currently Tax Assessor for the Towns of Grafton, Petersburgh, Greenport and Taghkanic. Craig was also a member of the NYS Association of Assessors.
Craig enjoyed trips to Florida, Cape Cod and visiting Disney World. He enjoyed cooking, baking and vegetable gardening. He was a regular at area Farmers Markets and local festivals.
Survivors include his son, Phillip J. (Sarah) Surprise, sister, Karen S. Maxwell, brother, Arthur J. (Cathleen) Surprise, granddaughters, Anna and Katherine Surprise as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services were held with inurnment at Garfield Cemetery in Stephentown.
The family requests that those who wish to remember Jon Craig Surprise may do so with a contribution to the Grafton Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 2, Grafton, NY 12082 or the West Stephentown Baptist Church, 1672 NY 43, Stephentown, NY 12169. Visit perrykomdat.com for a guestbook.