Catherine Militti Surkin

Catherine Militti Surkin (“Kitty”) passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2022. She was born on April 7, 1933, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin, of sixty-nine years; her parents, Joseph and Mary Militti; and her eight brothers and one sister. Kitty is survived by her son, Lee (Valerie) of Pennsylvania; her son, Joe (Katharine) of Mississippi; grandchildren, David, Adam (Leian), Mary Kate Dalton (Davis), and Joseph; great grandchildren, Shelby, Sawyer, Evelyn, and Mark (Dalton); and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Kitty and Al were high school sweethearts at the Jules E. Mastbaum Area Vocational/Technical School in Philadelphia. Kitty honorably served alongside her husband as a military wife for over thirty years. She traveled to numerous countries, entertained dignitaries, and was an avid volunteer with the Red Cross.

Kitty was the epitome of a military wife, mother, and friend. She was supportive, loving, loyal, fierce, and reliable. She loved to cook and sew, teaching not only her children, but other young wives and mothers, how to take care of themselves and their families.

Although Kitty was small in stature, she was larger than life. She ruled her two sons with a wooden spoon and loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her grandchildren’s fondest memory was of baking and eating their Grandmom’s Christmas cookies. Her legacy will live on in her recipes.

Kitty’s family would like to especially thank the caregivers of Home Instead who entertained and loved their mom and grandmom. While Kitty remained fiercely independent, she developed a deep bond with Karen and the many other friends she made through Home Instead.

She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for over 40 years, where she enjoyed singing in the choir.  

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 28 at St. Patrick’s with Father Greg officiating. A visitation will be held prior at 10am at St. Patrick’s. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to express their sympathy consider memorials to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or to their favorite charity in Kitty’s name.

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