Albert J. Baraniak, 77, of Indiana, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 30, 2021. He was born September 10, 1943 in Jenners, PA.
Albert was a 1961 graduate of Conemaugh Township High School and a 1965 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Albert entered the United States Army in service to our country in 1965 and served in both active and reserve units. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force. Captain Baraniak distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on August 16, 1969, while serving as S-2 and intelligence officer with the 1st Battalion (airmobile) 7th Calvary during a night defense of a fire base at Landing Zone Eagle. Under intense mortar barrage followed by a furious ground assault, Captain Baraniak left the security of his bunker to direct artillery and mortar fire upon the hostile positions. Then, under heavy small arms fire, he moved throughout the sector encouraging his men and directing their fire. Exposing himself to fire once again, Captain Baraniak aided in the evacuation of the wounded to the aid station. Albert was medically retired from the reserves as a Major in 1984, and he was inducted into the Hall of Valor at Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh in 2003.
In recognition of his service to the U.S. Military, Albert’s remains will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery under full military honors.
In 1970, Albert became a Biology teacher for the Armstrong School District. He taught at Shannock Valley High School and ended his 31-year tenure at West Shamokin High School.
After retirement, Albert became an accomplished furniture and cabinet craftsman and installed kitchens for many clients. He also handcrafted bedroom suites for each of his grandchildren and enjoyed traveling.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara Menne Baraniak and three children – Brian Baraniak and his wife Tara of Savannah, GA; Douglas Baraniak and his wife Kathleen of Pittsburgh, PA; and Andrew Baraniak and his wife Priya of West Chester, PA.
He also leaves behind his grandchildren – Camryn, Kiran, Sahana, Shriya, and Remington, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services are under the direction of Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, Indiana, PA. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 3, from 6-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 8:30 p.m. officiated by Fr. Jeff Wylie. Interment will be made at a later date in the Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to VNA Hospice, 850 Hospital Road, Suite 3000, Indiana, PA 15701; DAV; Harvest Anglican Church, P.O. Box 71, Homer City, PA 15748; or a charity of donor’s choice.
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