John Michael Baraniak 70, of Hidden Valley. With great sadness his family announces his passing on Thursday, September 14, 2017, at his home.  John was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Melane for 41 years.  He was cherished by his family and friends who knew him as a quiet, humble, dignified and gentle man.  John was an avid golfer, traveler, hiker and enjoyed snowshoeing. His passion for reading and helping others enriched the lives of everyone he touched. John was born December 16, 1946 in Boswell, Pennsylvania.  He was the son of John C. and Margaret (Pero) Baraniak.  He is survived by his wife Melane (Wislocki), sister Bernadette Baraniak, brother Tom and wife Gretchen Baraniak, brother-in-law John Wislocki, and numerous nieces and nephews. John received his Doctorate of Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He served as an educator and wrestling coach for the Somerset Area School District for 38 years, ending his career as superintendent and retiring in 2006. He received numerous awards and held various charitable and professional positions. John was the recipient of the President’s Outstanding Educator Award from Saint Francis College, Loretto, PA. He was past president of the Somerset Rotary where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow, President of Somerset County Literary Council, Lector at All Saints Parish in Boswell, member of Ligonier Country Club and Kay Golf Group, Friend of The Children’s Aid Society, and was active with the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and the American Cancer Society. Melane and family would like to thank the professionals at UPMC Medical, Interim Health Care, and In-Touch Hospice for the excellent care John received as well as the many friends who have offered support to the family. A Celebration of Life and funeral mass will be held at St. Vincent Basilica in Latrobe, PA at 10:00 am on Monday, September18 with Father John-Mary Tompkins Celebrant.  Committal St. Vincent Cemetery and Mausoleum. The family is requesting no flowers.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made for masses in John’s memory or donations can be made to: The University of Pittsburgh Dept of Neurosurgery, Grateful Patient Research Fund, Attn: Justin Meyer PMHSS, 3600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Arrangements by the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Somerset. www.haugerzeigler.com

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