Christopher J. Surles

Christopher Jay Surles, age 71, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Chris was a proud graduate of Concord High School, where he was deeply involved in the music department. He had a lifelong love of music and enjoyed playing both the guitar and drums. In his younger years, he was an avid surfer and cherished time spent at the shore, especially the day he taught his nieces how to boogie board in Strathmere, New Jersey, a memory that remained close to his heart.

Known affectionately as the “Mayor” of Devonshire, Strathmere, and Wilmington, Chris had a gift for connection and took great joy in spending time with friends and family. Chris had a great sense of humor and loved older stand-up comedians. He always had a one-liner, a laugh, and a smile waiting. He was an enthusiastic member of the community, earning MVP honors while playing for the Pray for Rain softball team in the New Castle County Recreation League.

Chris dedicated many years of his professional life to the Wilmington legal community. He worked with Green, Green and Godowsky, as well as alongside John Malik and Andy Witherell. He was especially proud of his 15 years of service running for the Department of Justice.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, June and Jay Surles and he is survived by his sisters, Terri Woods (husband John) and Becca Parmenter (husband Tom); his brother, Robert Surles; his sister-in-law, Tracy Surles; his nephews, Michael Woods (wife Liz), Steve Woods (wife Jess) and Nathan Parmenter; his nieces, Anna and Katherine Surles; and his grand-nephew Joel Woods and grand-niece Claudia Woods.

Chris will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and the deep connections he built with those around him. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends and family are invited for a visitation at 2:00pm on Friday, April 17, 2026, with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19803.

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Janet Hennessy writes,

I’m so sorry for your loss. I have such good childhood memories. ❤️

04/10/2026 08:55 am

Bob Cruikshank writes,

I worked in the federal court Clerk’s office. Chris was a runner from the Delaware Department of Justice and would come in daily. He was the highlight of my day. Chris was so full of life. I also delivered newspapers for Chris’s father Jay over 50 years ago. My condolences to the family. Chris was a great one!

04/11/2026 05:15 pm

Scott P Roberts lit a candle and writes,

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

04/11/2026 06:15 pm

Ronald Eberhard lit a candle and writes,

My condolences to family and friends. While employed at the U.S. District Court in Wilmington, I had the pleasure of seeing Chris when he stopped into our Clerks office. Chris had a great sense of humor and he was a very kind and memorable person.

04/12/2026 09:03 pm

Zoe Plerhoples writes,

My condolences and love to Chris's family. I worked with him for years at the DOJ and he was such a warm and funny guy. He made me laugh every time I saw him, and I was proud that he called me his friend. He will be missed.

04/13/2026 11:04 am

Jennifer Leary writes,

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you have my condolences and my love, and I am keeping Chris’s family in my thoughts. Chris was a kind-hearted man and always had a smile. I will never forget how well he knew all the bus routes and the streets of Wilmington. His stories were truly priceless. He will be deeply missed.

04/13/2026 11:33 am

Mary Rhoades writes,

I’m sorry for your loss. I knew Chris when he was a runner at the DOJ . He was a hard worker, took his job seriously and had a funny sense of humor. I was glad to have known him.

04/13/2026 02:40 pm

Jenny Davis writes,

My condolences to Rob and family. I worked with Chris at the DOJ and sat near the mailboxes so Chris was always around me, telling jokes and making us smile. He was a hard worker and was always friendly. I am sad to hear of his passing.

04/14/2026 01:27 pm

Doris M. Kennedy writes,

On behalf of our Staff at Newark Manor, I send sincere condolences to Chris's family. His great smile and friendly spirit will always be remembered. Doris Kennedy Newark Manor Nursing Center

04/14/2026 01:59 pm

Debbie Coggin writes,

So sorry for your loss. Chris was a good friend to Ed and I for years and always made us laugh with his silly jokes. Ed and Chris spent hours in our home discussing popular music, musicians and bands they liked. He will be missed.

04/14/2026 04:57 pm

John Records writes,

I, too, knew Chris for many years. As Debbie has said, he always had so many good jokes and kept us laughing…I nicknamed him “the pun-meister”. Had him and Ed and Debbie over for barbecues and can tell you that Chris certainly had a great appetite! And, of course, a great love of popular music. Condolences to his family, he will be missed.

04/15/2026 03:28 pm

Monica Walker writes,

Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. I worked with Chris at the DOJ and he was the friendliest and most full of energy person you could know. You will be missed Chris but rest easy cause your job here is done and you did it with greatness!

04/16/2026 09:18 am

Joann Personti writes,

Judge Surles, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Joann Personti

04/17/2026 06:27 am

Anne Limmina writes,

So very sorry about the loss of Chris. He always had a warm smile and was a really nice man. Sending prayers and peace to the family.

04/17/2026 08:05 am

Christine Myura writes,

I was truly sorry to hear of the passing of Chris. He was a bright, energetic soul that gave love and kindness so easily. I remember him fondly at the beach in Strathmere on a few occasions and seeing him often in the city of Wilmington. He will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Surles family.

04/25/2026 09:38 am

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