In Loving Memory

Thomas Biel

November 17th 1953 - September 26th 2020

He will forever be missed

Thomas F. Biel, 67, of West Scranton passed away on Sept. 26th 2020 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He was the son of the late Fred “Buddy” and Mae Biel. He and his wife, Phyllis Biel, were high school sweethearts and married for 45 yrs. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Thomas F. Biel Jr and sadly, he now smiles down from heaven with his younger brother Gary Biel. Tom also shares heaven with his brother-in-law Jeffrey Gallagher.


Tom was born on November 17, 1953 in West Scranton and graduated from West Scranton High School in 1972. After high school, he worked at Pepsi Cola as a human resource officer until becoming a small business owner in Scranton, PA. Upon retirement, Tom and his wife moved to Florida in 2010. He loved baseball, fishing, spending time with his loved ones, and horse racing.


Tom was a loving husband and supportive father that unselfishly provided love and guidance. His kind and friendly personality coupled with his ability to listen without prejudice made him the cornerstone of his family. No matter the gravity of any situation, he always delivered humor with a contagious laughter that could resolve stress, fear, and tension. He was an altruist that loved to socialize with the amazing people from both the Scranton and Holiday communities.


Tom is survived by his wife, Phyllis Bienick Biel, in Florida,

one grandson, Nathan T. Biel

three daughters, Candice Craddock, Dr. Nikolett Biel and Kristen Biel

three sons, Dr. Thomas G. Biel, Scott Ammenhauser and Tommy Craddock Jr

two sisters, Dottie Minelli and Pattie Dougher

four brothers, Wayne, Freddie, Richie, and Art.


Tom has so many wonderful in-laws and nieces and nephews: Susan Gallagher and her children, Jennifer, Matthew and Glenn and their children

Edward and Darlene Bienick and their children, Ed, Chris, and Kimberly and their children

Sherry Biel and her son Mark

Susan Biel and her sons Gary and Jesse and their children

Frank Minelli and his children, Buddy, Jacqueline, and Wayne and their children

Art and Kamalin Neidich and their children.


Tom was a family man and loved everyone as his family. If you had a special family or friend connection with Tom and we failed to list you here, we apologize. His ability to make people part of his family was amazing, appreciated, and unsurpassed. Tom's heart was strong. He loved and he loved furiously. Unfortunately, his big heart had no way to cure the cancer that ultimately took him from us.


Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life memorial service for Thomas Fred Biel will be held May 21st, 2022 from 2-5pm at the Inne of the Abingtons. All that loved Tom , his family and shared in his life are welcome to join the celebration.



Tom's family is hosting a Celebration of His Life on May 21st from 2pm- 5pm at the Inne of the Abingtons. We would appreciate your attendance in celebrating his life. We are having a buffet lunch and a mixed media presentation (3:30pm). We will also be sending up a bio-degradable paper lantern (that everyone can leave messages on) at the end of the celebration.

We need to say goodbye with love, honor, respect, and dignity. You are invited to help celebrate the life of Thomas Biel.

Please RSVP below so we can make sure we have enough food and drink!

Because Tom was opposed to alcohol, we will not be having alcohol at the celebration however, afterwards we are very happy to go wherever and celebrate in our own way!