Darrell Mario Surgi was a devoted husband and loving father. A humble member of his community, Darrell died on March 21, 2026, in Port Arthur, Texas. Darrell was born on December 8, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and lived a life marked by hard work and deep love for his family, friends and nature.
Darrell was a one-man show for over 40 years after working for and learning the plant business from Mr. Don Donaho. His plant-leasing company Lone Star Tropical Plants was his pride; and he found so much joy nurturing his plants or feeding his fish, a passion that brought life and beauty into not only his work but his heart and his home. He was widely recognized for his willingness to do the “dirty work”, his caring nature, and his inquisitive mind. He always had a book - or two - in his hands and a newspaper folded ready to read whenever the opportunity arose. He was a voracious reader! Beyond his love for literature, greenery, and flowers, he delighted in spending time with his nieces and nephews, traveling on cruises and exploring the treasures found at many estate sales - always the eclectic or eccentric pieces! Darrell loved music, old VHS movies and cooked daily.
Darrell was a practicing Catholic at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Port Arthur and an active proud member in the Port Arthur Sertoma Club demonstrating his commitment to faith and community. Above all, he took immense pride in the family he lovingly nurtured and cherished throughout his life, feeling like a father many times instead of a brother.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Michelle Bruno, who was his best friend and who he pretended to let boss him around! He is also survived by his daughters, Janet Winninghoff, her husband, David, and Katie Moltz and her husband, Travis. His grandchildren, Paige, Peyton, and Presley Winninghoff, alongside Dean and Wyatt Moltz.
Darrell’s immediate family was enriched by his brothers, Neil Surgi and wife, Gloria; Paul Mordente and wife, Naomi; David Mordente and wife, Daisy; and Stephen Mordente and wife, Shari. He was also blessed with a sister, Christina Mordente, and a brother-in-law Kenny Lipscomb, widow of his sister Mary Fuchs. Numerous nieces and nephews each holding a place in Darrell’s heart.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Jackie Creighton; dad, Sam Mordente; his biological father George E. Surgi; brother, Sam Mordente Jr.; and sister, Mary Fuchs, whose memories will forever be treasured.
The family will have a visitation on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home, located at 5200 West Parkway, Groves, Texas, with one decade of the Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m., providing a sacred moment for reflection and prayer. Afterward, anyone wishing to share a funny or memorable story of Darrell, will be welcome to do so.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4600 Procter Street, Port Arthur, Texas, and will be laid to eternal rest following Mass at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Port Arthur Sertoma Club, P. O. Box 1563, Groves, Texas 77619 or call Alton at Port Arthur Sertoma Club directly at 409-718-8309.