Dr. Robert Stephen Vandrak
Dr. Robert Stephen Vandrak, 56, of Harmony, passed away peacefully Wednesday, surrounded by his family, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, after suffering a massive stroke.
He was born June 18, 1959, in Spangler, Pa., to Nancy and the late Colonel Robert F. Vandrak of Beaver Falls.
A 1977 graduate of Kaiserslautern American High School, also known as “K-Town” in Germany, he went on to earn a chemical engineering degree at the University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate in osteopathic medicine from Ohio University in 1986.
During his 25-year medical career, Dr. Vandrak worked as the medical director of physical rehabilitation at St. Francis Hospital, Jameson Memorial Hospital and the Jameson Care Center in New Castle. He also served on the board of the New Castle Fraternal Order of Police and was the secretary and treasurer of the Lawrence County Medical Society for more than 10 years.
An avid outdoorsman and swimmer, Dr. Vandrak also enjoyed learning new things. A devoted husband and father, he touched many lives through his generosity and kindness. His patients loved him. His nieces and nephews often referred to him as “Uncle Marshmallow.” He was happiest when he was riding his tractor.
Preceded in death by his father, he is survived by his mother; his loving wife of 22 years, Heidi (Black) Vandrak; his four children, Julia, Jane, Bobby and Stephen Vandrak; his sisters, Kathy (Kevin) Hansan of Pound Ridge, N.Y., Valerie (Thomas) Kunkel of Gibsonia and Michelle (Ed) Vojtek of Monroeville; his brother, Ken (Heather) Vandrak; and many nieces and nephews.
VANDRAK — Funeral visitation for Dr. Robert Stephen Vandrak, who died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Boylan Funeral Home, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 415 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.Memorial donations may be made to the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA, 2001 Ehrman Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, or the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.
