Drobezko

Joseph F. Drobezko, 79, of 488 West Liberty Road in Slippery Rock died Friday at the Grove City Medical Center after a 24-year battle with cancer.

He was born April 28, 1929, in Kinlock, Westmoreland County, to Michael (Michail) and Vaudie Constant Drobezko.

Mr. Drobezko graduated from Slippery Rock High School in 1947. In 1957, he received his bachelor's degree in education from the Slippery Rock State Teachers College, now Slippery Rock University, followed by a master's degree in education and principal's certificate from Westminster College.

Mr. Drobezko was employed by Pullman Standard in the early 1950s. He retired in 1993 after a 34-year career as a public school teacher. He taught special education at Moniteau High School, elementary classes at Portersville Elementary School and sixth grade math and science at Slippery Rock Middle School.

Mr. Drobezko's accomplishments were many.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served with the 47th Viking Infantry Division from 1951 to 1953 with duty in Germany as part of the occupation forces.

Joseph served as secretary for the Butler County School Authority Board, which was responsible for the building of Slippery Rock Area Elementary School. He was an active member of PSEA and served as president of the Slippery Rock Area Association along with memberships in NEA, PASR and PSEAR.

Joseph was a member of the Slippery Rock American Legion Post 0393.

As a member of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, he served on the parish council. In addition, he was a life member of the Slippery Rock High School and Slippery Rock University Alumni associations.

Joseph was a deeply caring person, and his family was important to him. His joy of life included family gatherings, traveling across the United States to visit with his children and family members plus helping other people with his infectious smile.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret M. Cupec Drobezko, who he married April 11, 1953; two sons, retired Col. Joseph M. and his wife, Beth, of Gainesville, Mo., and David J. and his wife, Eva, of Slippery Rock; two daughters, Mary D. Campbell and her husband, Charlie, of Slippery Rock, and Cheryl D. Fraser and her husband, Roger, of Sherwood, Ark.; a sister, Mary Guid, of Granville, W.Va.; four grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a baby sister, Anna; and his brother, Michael J.

<B>DROBEZKO — </B>Friends of Joseph F. Drobezko, who died Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the <B>SMITH FUNERAL HOME</B>, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Slippery Rock, with the Rev. Matthew McClure officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Anthony Cemetery, Harrisville.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.