In loving memory of

Anthony Baran
April 12, 1929 - January 30, 2013

Anthony Stanley Baran, the son of George and Mary (Lefko) Baran, was born on April 12, 1929 near Springboro, Pennsylvania.  Anthony passed away peacefully at home in rural Randolph, Iowa surrounded by his loving family on January 30, 2013 at the age of 83.
Tony attended a one-room schoolhouse from grades 1-8, a humble but beautiful structure built with stained glass windows and a grand bell tower, and which was lit with kerosene lights.  He graduated from Springboro High School, Springboro, PA, where his favorite subjects were physics, math and basketball.  He helped carry his basketball team to win the district basketball championship his senior year.  During this time as a gift to his parents, Tony installed running water and indoor plumbing in the family farmhouse.  Woodworking and problem solving projects would remain lifelong passions.
Tony and his brother Ted farmed together for one year following Tony's high school graduation.  Tony then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to a position in the Interior Communications School, graduating first in his class.  He served aboard the U.S.S. Kermit Roosevelt, sharing a bunk with the ship's gyrocompass and spending three years travelling in and around Japan, Korea and New Zealand.
In 1953, Tony enrolled at Pennsylvania State University Behrend Center, Erie, PA where he studied for one year.  He then transferred to the university's main campus, where in 1958 he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.  During his college years, he developed a deep love for golf, downhill skiing and amateur radio.
After graduation, Tony took graduate courses at the Newark College of Engineering, Newark, NJ.  He was with Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Research for several years, helping to develop some of the first aircraft jet engines, and following this held multiple positions within RCA and later Thomson.  At RCA he was employed at the Astro-Electronic division where he was manager of the space and satellite environmental facilities used in testing weather and surveillance satellites and equipment for manned missions to the moon.  Cameras that were used to photograph man stepping on the moon, and which remain there to this day, had been in his hands months earlier.   At the RCA In-Field Research Laboratory, Tony helped to advance television technologies, and was awarded several patents related to early barcode developments, high-precision picture tube manufacturing, and innovations for making televisions more flat.  His work took him to Mexico, France, Poland and Italy, where he conducted glass purity studies and spearheaded international committees aimed at improving picture tube performance
Tony served his community as Vice-Chairman of the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers, West Palm Beach, FL; a member of the Washington Township Board of Education, Robbinsville, NJ; and Chairman of the Washington Township Planning Board, Robbinsville, NJ.  He was an active member of the American Society of Testing Materials, the American Rocket Society and the American Radio Relay League.  He was founder and advisor of the Lancaster, PA chapter of the Young Astronauts of America; coach of the Sacred Heart Elementary School Boys Basketball Team; judge for the Sacred Heart School Science Fair; and President of the Quadrille Formal Dance Club.  He was an active member of St. Gregory the Great Church, Hamilton Square, NJ; St. Leo the Great Church, Rhorerstown, PA; Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lancaster, PA; and St. Patrick Church, Imogene, IA.  He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, holding the position of Third Degree Knight.
Preceding Anthony in death were his parents, sister Margaret Nogee, brother-in-law Frank Nogee, sister Helen Finnucan, brother-in-law John Finnucan, brother Theodore Barron, sister-in-law Rose (Lombardo) Barron, brother-in-law Willard Johnson and brother-in-law John Thomas.  Surviving are his spouse of 35 years Mary Patricia (Doyle) Baran and two children, Dr. Thomas Anthony Baran of Somerville, MA and Dr. Mary Catherine Lally and husband Thomas of Rochester, MN; his former spouse Elizabeth (Meissner) Baran of Princeton, NJ and two children, Christopher George Baran and wife Tama (Vail) of Hamilton Square, NJ and Kimberly Ann Steinnagel of Princeton, NJ. His grandchildren and great grandchildren are Margaret Lally, Nellie Baran, Tessa Baran, Juliette Baran, Geoffrey Walker, Kyle Steinnagel, Kassie Steinnagel and her daughters Delyla and Jocelyn, Marina Thorne and Kristian Steinnagel.  He is also survived by sister Elizabeth Johnson of Martinsville, VA, sister Genevieve Thomas of Fairview, PA and brother William Barron and wife Sophie (Pakora) of Pittsburgh, PA.  His surviving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law are Michael Doyle and wife Debra (Ducat) of Mesa, AZ, Judith (Doyle) Wischik and husband Irving of Cranbury, NJ, Catherine (Doyle) Fahey and husband John of Litchfield, CT, John Doyle and wife Dixie (Trively) of Tabor, IA, James Doyle and wife Melonie (Blackburn) of Randolph, IA.  Anthony is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.


Memorials may be directed to the St. Patrick Catholic Church Building Fund or the Randolph Fire and Rescue.

Tributes

Linda and Ron Stepanchick wrote on Mar 10, 2013:

"Dear Pat, We were saddened to hear of Tony's passing. Always such an upbeat and happy man who made everyone he came in contact with feel special. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May his memory be eternal. Ron and Linda Stepanchick"

Jack and Mary Moscony wrote on Feb 13, 2013:

"Dear Patty and Family- We were very sorry to learn of Tony's passing. Jack first met Tony at RCA Lancaster in the early 1980's when he and Tony were appointed managers in the newly established Picture Tube Technology Center. Every month Jack and Tony shared the long drive back and forth to Princeton, NJ. It was during these times that Jack learned many good things about life and science from Tony. Thanks Tony, You'll be missed."

Jim and Kathy Wiley wrote on Feb 8, 2013:

"Patricia, Tom, and Mary - I was so sad to hear of your loss - I will always remember Tony and Patricia going to Iowa to visit and always bringing back huge bags of popcorn to make at the home football games at LCHS - and Tony's one statement I'll never forget "Defacate or abdicate" - I always enjoyed being around the Baran family, you are great people - I will keep Tony and you all in my prayers - Jim and Kathy Wiley"

Wayne and Mary Webb wrote on Feb 4, 2013:

"Very sorry to hear the loss of Tony. I kenw Tony while working at RCA in 1986 and again at Thomson from 1996 - 2004. Tony was a charter member of Thomson Amateur Radio Assn, and we always think of Tony when we have our radio club gathering. Tony will be missed very much."

Joanne & Mark Faul & Family wrote on Feb 1, 2013:

"Patty and family, Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Tony was a tremendous man in so so many ways!! I remember the first time I met Tony and he made me feel like the most special person in the world, because I was Patty's Godchild, and we had not met yet!! I thought the warm welcome I received from him was because it was the first time we had met. ... NOT SO......Through the years I learned that the enthusiasm continued! Every time we got together that same energetic spark... warm, excited reception was there! He was an amazingly intelligent, warm individual that lit up the conversation and was genuinely interested in meeting all of Patty's relatives. I have shared stories with Patty,... of my 3 children commenting on how enriching their visits/conversations with Tony /Patty have been. Even at early ages, they recognized his warmth and intelligence!! I am sad for his family and mine that we do not have more time with that graceful/loving teaching! I know he is in a better place without pain and suffering...and it is definitely even a BETTER place with Tony there! I am sure Mildred and Ambrose were there to welcome him with open arms! What an amazing thought! xoxox"

Sandy and Bill Collins wrote on Feb 1, 2013:

"Patty, Tom and Mary; we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Sandy and I wish we could be there for you. We have many fond memories of all the times we got together. Tony constantly encouraged me to continue working toward my bachelor's degree. I also remember my many travels with Tony: blasting up I81 to Scranton in his 240Z, going the wrong way on a Mexican street, racing Bob Duschl and me to the top of a pyramid in Mexico, and visiting the beer drinking donkey. We had great times but also accomplished a lot of good work. Tony, we will sincerely miss you."

Jan and Ian Riches wrote on Feb 1, 2013:

"Uncle Tony was such a very good man, what a loss for all of us. Our sincere sympathy to Aunt Patty, Tom, Mary, Chris, and Kim, and to all who were lucky enough to have had him in their lives."

Tony Brill wrote on Feb 1, 2013:

"Dear Mrs. Baran, Tom & Mary, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of Mr. Baran and our times together with the Lancaster Catholic Band....and other school activities. Please know that I am thinking of you! Tony Brill"

Michele Notturno wrote on Feb 1, 2013:

"Dear Patty, Our condolences to you and all Tony's relatives, especially the children. He managed to celebrate Tom's graduation and Margaret's arrival.No one could match Tony's warmth, patience, intelligence, skills and will power! We send our prayers and wish we were not so far away, Ken and Michele"

Brian & Tati Miller wrote on Jan 31, 2013:

"My deepest condolences to Patty and family. Tony was my supervisor, but more importantly a friend and fellow Ham Radio comrade at RCA/Thomson and beyond. I continue to hold him in great respect and admiration, both for his high moral stature, experience and mentor-ship. I always enjoyed hearing his stories about past work experiences at Astro and RCA. Even in later years, Tony was a picture of health, and his handshake was firm and confident. My wife and I will miss him."

Dave Smith wrote on Jan 31, 2013:

"Sincere condolences to Tony's friends and family. Tony was a great friend at RCA. While we only occasionally shared the same projects, his cheerful smile and sincere interest in people was a beacon for us all. On one business trip, we were in Anagni on different projects, and coincidentally found ourselves on the same plane returning from Rome to New York. As was often the case, a long delay in departure caused a very late arrival in JFK. Our reserved limousine had long since given up waiting for us, so we were stranded about midnight in New York. Tony and I made a quick decision to rent a car. I would drive and he would keep me awake. We had a great time, with me dropping him off at his house about 4AM. We became even closer after that trip. Dave Smith Myrtle Beach, SC "

Terence Rybak wrote on Jan 30, 2013:

"Tony, thank you for showing me Pittsburgh when we visited in 1959, and for encouraging me when I was interested in electronics. I enjoyed seeing you at the family reunions, and I enjoyed our amateur radio contact last year."

sharlene wrote on Jan 30, 2013:

"Aunt Pattie, I wish I were there for you. You are in my prayers. Kim, Chris, Tom, Mary my prayers are with you also. Losing your dad is a very difficult time. God Bless you all. Ted and mom send their love and prayers. Know we're with you all in spirit. Much Love Sharlene, Ted, and sister Jean "

Patty & Tom Niedermyer wrote on Jan 30, 2013:

"Sincere Sympathy to Patty & The Enitre Doyle & Baran Families Patty (Doyle) Niedermyer & Tom"