Obituaries

Atty. Joseph F. Surdy, Jr., age 67, of Scranton, died Tuesday at home.
Born on June 12, 1947, son of the late Joseph F., Sr., and Johanna Gawel Surdy, Joseph graduated from St. Benedict’s Preparatory School before studying Nuclear Physics at Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, for 3 1/2 years. After leaving Rutgers to embark on a one year ‘easy rider’ motorcycle tour of the United States and Canada, he eventually re-enrolled at Rutgers, receiving a Bachelors Degree in Sociology. While working for the City of Newark full-time, he also earned his MBA from Rutgers. After holding the position of Contract Administrator for the City of Newark, he resigned at the age of 38 to attend Franklin Pierce School of Law at the University of New Hampshire, where he would go on to obtain his Juris Doctorate. Upon passing the New Jersey bar exam, he began his private law practice in Newark where he had several of his successful cases published by the local newspapers.
Interested in electronics from the days of his youth, his first endeavour took place at age eleven having built a transmitter to be able to ‘talk on the air.’ He had an interest in computers and was an avid hiker. Passing away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, he will be forever missed by his loved ones.
He is survived by his loving brother, Frank Surdy and wife Barbara Castelletti of Scranton; nieces, Nicole Surdy Betz of Indiana, Cheryl Surdy of Scranton, and Kristin Surdy of New York; and two great nephews, Ian Matthew and Aidan Alexander Betz.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Saturday at 9:30AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church at Prince of Peace Parish, 123 West Grace Street in Old Forge. Interment will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Old Forge. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to the donor’s choice care of his family.