Dr. Jennifer Ann Sidari, 26, West Pittston




Jennifer Sidari, MD, passed away unexpectedly early Wednesday morning, May 29, 2013 surrounded by family and loved ones at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA.

Jennifer was the eldest of three children born to Peter and Patricia (nee Nicholas) Sidari.  Jennifer graduated from Wyoming Area High School in 2005 and went on to attend the University of Scranton, double majoring in Biology and Philosophy, and graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2009.  Jen received a full scholarship to The Commonwealth Medical College and was proud to be a member of TCMC’s charter class.  On May 11, 2013, Jennifer achieved her dream of becoming a doctor and was about to begin her residency in pediatrics at the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville, PA.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Anthony P. Sidari, Esq., and his wife, Ann, Hazleton, PA, and her maternal step-grandfather, Charles Strock, Hemet, CA.

In addition to her parents, Jennifer is survived by her brother, Peter Sidari, West Pittston, PA, and sister, Victoria Sidari, West Pittston, PA, maternal grandparents, Ms. Naoma Strock, Hemet, CA, and Mr. and Mrs. James Nicholas, Groten, NY, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She is also survived by her beloved soulmate, John Brunza, Dunmore, PA, and their spoiled dogs, Isaac and Penny Lane.

Despite Jennifer’s shortened life, her accomplishments are innumerable.  Jennifer was nationally distinguished in her medical education and was nominated for the American Medical Associations Physicians of Tomorrow Award.  Jennifer combined her love for medicine with her passion for travel by volunteering in children’s hospitals and clinics around the world.  Jennifer’s most recent adventure took her to Haiti, where she arrived with bags of medicine, supplies, and toys.  Jennifer left Haiti with only the clothes on her back, donating all of her personal items to those in need.  This is one example of many acts that earned her The Commonwealth Medical College’s Global Pride Award, issued in memory of Dr. Raymond Smego, Jennifer’s mentor. Jennifer shared many friendships with people from all chapters of her life. Her infectious smile and selfless personality made it impossible not to love her. Her short life was filled with so much depth and love, and she will leave a lasting impression on all of those who had the privilege to know her.

Calling hours will be held at St. Barbara Parish Center, 28 Memorial St. Exeter, PA, on Sunday, June 2, 2013 between 2:00pm and 4:00pm, and between 6:00pm and 8:00pm.  A Mass of Christian burial  will be held on Monday, June 3, 2013 at 9:30am at Corpus Christi Parish at  Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jennifer Sidari, MD Scholarship Fund at The Commonwealth Medical College.  Donations may be sent to: Student Affairs Office, The Commonwealth Medical College, 525 Pine St. Scranton, PA 18509. Or visit www.thecommonwealthmedical.com and click on "Giving to TCMC".

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, 1030 Wyoming Ave. Exeter.

To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com.