Stephen Dobransky

    Stephen “Steve” Dobransky from Emeigh, PA died quietly at home on August 9, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer. Steve was the 2nd of 6 children born on June 25, 1948 in Spangler, PA to the late Steve and June (Delaney) Dobransky. 

     From an early age, Steve had a questioning personality always curious to figure out how things worked and challenging the status quo.  After graduating from Northern Cambria High School in 1966, Steve enlisted in the United States Marine Corp serving from 1967 until his honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1971.  He served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat (V).  While Steve was proud to serve his country, this military service dramatically changed his perspective and personality when he returned to a tumultuous America.

     To deal with the (later diagnosed) effects of PTSD and the ravages of serving in combat, Steve ultimately took off for the “wild west” of Alaska where many Vietnam Veterans found “safe haven”.   The adventure and challenge of Alaska suited him and inspired him to complete an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in 1987 and a Bachelor of Arts in Art from the University of Alaska (Fairbanks) in 1994.   He was an adventurer, a mineral and rock aficionado, and an artist….expressing his hidden creative self through artistic creations from jewelry to wood creations to paintings.  He remained in Alaska for over 20 years finally returning to the “lower 48” and his native western Pennsylvania roots.

     Steve will be greatly missed by his surviving siblings:  Marlene Dobransky Smith, Michael Dobransky (wife Janet Davis), Sophia Dobransky Bartenfelder, and Eva Dobransky Baker (husband Kirk Baker).  He was preceded in death by his brother William Dobransky and brothers-in-law William H. Bartenfelder and Robert J. Smith (who was a close cohort and fellow video-gamer).   While Steve could be reclusive and private, he quietly and deeply valued his family which also included 11 nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews and cousins.    

     Friends will be received Friday August 14, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Barrett Funeral Home, 822 Philadelphia Ave., Northern Cambria, where a memorial service will take place at 4:00 p.m.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VFW Post 343 or any veterans’ support organization.

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