Architect David A. Surbeck, 66

David A. Surbeck, 66, of Wayne, an innovative architect and entrepreneur, died of complications from a spinal tumor July 23 at Bryn Mawr Hospital.

In 1991, Mr. Surbeck cofounded Jet Stream Manufacturing in West Conshohocken. The company developed a method to cut metals and ceramics with high-pressure liquids. Its projects included the Columbus Memorial metal sculpture in Philadelphia, a world map reproduced in marble for the floor of a New Jersey business, brass letters and stars embedded in terrazzo floors for Planet Hollywood restaurants, and aluminum instruments used to hold open horses' mouths for dental work.

Since 2001, Mr. Surbeck had led Surbeck Waterjet Co. in Ardmore. His son Jason worked with him at both firms.

Mr. Surbeck graduated from Episcopal Academy, where he was on the soccer, wrestling and baseball teams. He played soccer at North Carolina State University and earned a bachelor's degree in architecture. While in college, he won an award from Alcoa Inc. for his steel sculptures.

In 1967, he married his college sweetheart, Betty Cushing. He was an architect in Tennessee and North Carolina before moving back to the Philadelphia area with his family in 1969. For several years he worked for architectural firms and the Felber Ornamental Plastering Corp., where he designed ceiling medallions and architectural elements for commercial and residential buildings.

Mr. Surbeck designed a summer home for his family on Martha's Vineyard with an insulated panel system he fabricated in his basement.

He was a cofounder and former coach of the Radnor Soccer Club, coached Little League baseball, and was a past president of the Wayne Elementary School PTA.

He had battled his crippling illness since the 1970s and had needed a wheelchair in recent years. He loved landscaping and gardening, and created raised beds so he could continue to grow tomatoes and supply them to neighbors, his wife said. He enjoyed following the Eagles and Phillies, socializing with friends, and spending time with his two grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, son and grandchildren, Mr. Surbeck is survived by another son, David; a brother; and a sister.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Wayne Presbyterian Church, 125 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, Pa. 19087.

Memorial donations may be made to the City Lights Network at Wayne Presbyterian, where Mr. Surbeck was an elder and served on the peace committee.