John “Jack” Beidler, Ph.D., 80, of Scranton, passed away Tuesday at Regional Hospital surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat on April 22, 2019, to whom he was married to for 56 years. Born in Allentown on Jan. 12, 1941, son of the late John and Elizabeth Schroeder Beidler, he was a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School. He continued his undergraduate education at Kings College, receiving a degree in mathematics, where he played varsity basketball for the Monarchs. He received a master's from Lehigh University in mathematics. He concluded his education with a doctorate in computer science from Penn State University. Beginning in 1964, he served as a professor of mathematics and computer science at the University of Scranton for 54 years, co-founding the Computer Science Department in 1970, one of the first Jesuit computer science programs in the country, using funds from the National Science Foundation to purchase equipment. He wrote multiple computer science textbooks and helped to create the Eastern Small College Computing Conference. He was awarded multiple grants with GTE in Cambridge, Mass., and Naval Air Development in Norfolk, Va., involving many faculty and students in his work and success. He was interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences on a few occasions, and has, in some manner, contributed to the success of 1200+ alumni. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest tenured professor. Jack enjoyed playing racquetball at the gym at the University of Scranton, watching tennis and college basketball, and a glass of single malt scotch. He also loved trips to the beach, especially Ocean City, N.J., where he would body surf, relax under the umbrella, fly kites, explore lighthouses and ride his bike on the boardwalk. Having spent a year in Ireland during a sabbatical, he also taught at the University College Limerick, where he enjoyed exploring the country as well as visiting every castle possible. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and frequently attended their sports, dances and other activities. He was an active member of St. Ann’s Parish, participating in the Finance Committee, the Parish Council and Eucharistic Minister. Surviving are his four children, Ann Nicastro and husband, Jim (grandchildren JJ (Kayla), Emily and Maria); John Beidler and wife, Julie (grandchildren Abigail and Julianna); Andrew Beidler and wife, Sharon (grandchildren Katlyn, Rachel and Ally); and Kate Reager and husband, Jack (grandchildren Lilly and Quin), all of Scranton; two sisters, Julie Brenner and husband, Larry; and Mary Traud; three sisters-in-law, Catherine Urban, Mildred Medernach and Lucille Peña; and two brothers-in-law, John Medernach and wife, Nancy, and Joseph Medernach; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the ICU at Regional Hospital for their outstanding care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 1 p.m. in St. Ann's Basilica. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1240 St. Ann St. Masks and the CDC guidelines will be observed both at the funeral home and the church.

Visitation

Funeral Services

 

Guestbook

 

Sign Guestbook Add your condolences by signing the guestbook.