Obituaries

Bridgid Suraci Thomas, a Clarks Summit resident and beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece, friend and local educator, passed away on Wednesday. She was 47 years young.
Born in Scranton on July 19, 1975, and beloved daughter to Mary Ellen Murtaugh and Frank H. Suraci III, Bridgid was a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School’s Class of 1993. Possessing a lifelong passion for learning, she attended Wilkes University, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Computer Science. Throughout her life, she continued her studies while earning Masters degrees in economics and education. She received numerous honors and accolades for her success in the field of academia.
She had spent time working for her family’s business, Parodi Cigar Co., before beginning her path in education. She began her teaching career at Montrose Area High School. In 2006, she joined the faculty at Abington Heights High School where he she taught business, economics, computers, and English until her untimely passing due a heart attack on Wednesday morning.
The impact she left on the lives of her students throughout her career is simply immeasurable. Bridgid’s natural radiancy, vibrancy and optimism gave her an innate ability to instantly draw others toward her positive energy. To meet her was to love her. She was kind beyond measure, leaving behind an admirable legacy of selflessness. Above all else came her family who served as the focal point of her life. They will ensure her memory long lives on.
She is survived by her loving siblings, Elizabeth Stein of Philadelphia, Amelia Suraci of Beach Lake, Sarah Suraci of Scottsdale Ariz., Frank Suraci and wife Kate of Waverly, Susan Suraci Fernandez and husband Scott of The Woodlands Texas and Brendan Suraci of Venice Beach Calif.; grandmothers, Mary Loftus Murtaugh of Scranton and Gloria Suraci Bilotta of Clifford Twp.; adored nieces and nephews, Clare, Giada, Oliver, Leo and Colette; and aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Thomas J. Murtaugh; and her beloved pups, Gunner and Penny.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 4:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home. A Celebration of Bridgid’s Life is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:00 AM at the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton. Burial will follow in the Cathedral Cemetery in West Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bridgid’s name to either the Women’s Resource Center c/o P.O. Box 975 Scranton, PA 18501 or to the American Heart Association c/o P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.