Joseph T. Dobransky, of Vestal, New York, died at his residence Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at the age of 83. Joseph, a denizen of Vestal for over forty years, shared his home with his granddaughter, Shannon Dobransky and her husband, Charles Hanna. Prior to being a Vestal resident, Joseph grew up in Wilkes-Barre, PA, attended Kings College for a Bachelor of Arts in Education, and Drexel University where he obtained a Master’s in Library Science. Joseph wed his love-at-first-sight, Anne (maiden name, Corgan) in 1958. He taught chemistry and physics in Baltimore, MD, spoke fondly of his time as Director of Library Service in Adams County, PA, recounting his experience managing the local Bookmobile, and relocated to the Southern Tier to work at IBM where he remained until his retirement in 1992. Joseph suffered the loss of his wife in 1980; promising her that he would care for their five children, something which he excelled at. Joseph spent his retirement traveling the states to visit them, often taking his grandchildren with him. His love for his family gave him purpose, one he executed with integrity, kindness, and humor. Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Joseph Dobransky of Wilkes-Barre, PA; his wife, Anne Dobransky; their son, William Dobransky; and grandson, Jacob Dobransky. He is survived by their son, Joseph Dobransky of Venetia, PA; daughters, Mary Dobransky and her husband Dr. Mark Wierman of Omaha, NE, Ann and William Pralat of Endicott, NY, and Susie and Robert Vicks of Apalachin, NY. He is also survived by his sister, Joan, and her husband Joseph Stelmack of McMurray, PA; in addition to three cherished grandchildren, Michael Simpson of Twentynine Palms, CA, Shannon Dobransky of Vestal, NY, and Katie Pralat of Endicott, NY; four treasured great-grandchildren, Isabella Rose, Nicholas James, Grace Ann, and Jacob Joseph; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held Friday, April 22, 2016, from 5 to 7 pm at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 10 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Following the services, Joseph will be laid to rest next to his wife at Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, NY. A special thank you to two people who spent the past year and a half helping us care for him; Lois Macarchick of Johnson City, NY, and Stephanie Giovannone of Endicott, NY.