Joseph Thomas Surdel, 96, Army Veteran, of the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre went home to our Lord on Monday, March 30. Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Potash) Surdel and married the love of his life, Roberta (Burry) Surdel. Joseph attended Coughlin High School and was employed by the Bern Sign Company for over 35 years until his retirement.

Joseph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to all. He was a skilled electrician, carpenter, harmonica player, and at one point a dance instructor claiming his favorite dance was the salsa. He enjoyed the simple things in life such as a warm cup of coffee, a good home-cooked meal, doing acrobats, hunting, fishing, watching old westerns on T.V., card games, storytelling, and playing slots at Mohegan P.A. which he referred to as "going up the hill". He did anything to make his grandchildren laugh!

He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Roberta (Burry) Surdel, his parents Joseph and Josephine (Potash) Surdel, brother Raymond Surdel, sisters Charlotte Shanko, Theresa Suchar, and granddaughter Jessica Croop.

Surviving are his seven children and spouses, Joseph (Diane) Surdel, Cynthia (John) Garrison, Karen Atiyeh, Roberta Shaffer, Susan (Mark) Antosh, Maryann (Frank) Kutz, and Donald (Cathy) Surdel. Grandchildren, Robert White, Jamie Surdel, Celanie (Gary) Benkoski, Jarred Shaffer, Mallery Atiyeh, Joseph Surdel, Karley Atiyeh, Ian Antosh, Frank Kutz, Miranda Surdel, and Daniel Kutz. Great Grandchildren, Cody White, Casey Strachan, Christopher Surdel, Robert White, and River Kutz. Sisters, Agnes Curry and Deborah Gronkowski.Arrangements by Yeosock Funeral Home, Plains.

Joseph was cared for by his children in his senior years, allowing him to stay comfortable in his own home. Per Joseph's request, no service will be held. His only wish was to be reunited in Heaven with the love of his life once again.