John Dubravec

John M. Dubravec, 88, of Steelton, PA, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 12, 2023 with his loving family by his side. John was born August 23, 1935 and was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (Simonic) Dubravec and his older brother, Rudolph E. Dubravec.

John graduated from Harrisburg Catholic High School in 1953 and served two years in the Army as a radio corpsman. After his service, he studied to become a draftsman and gained employment with PennDOT, where he worked for 35 years as a highway designer. He finished his professional career with Benatec Associates and Mackin Engineers and Consultants.

Beyond the love of his family, John''s two greatest passions were music and his Slovenian and Croatian roots. He learned tenor saxophone and clarinet in high school and later picked up the accordion and never put it down. He performed with many local bands over the years and led his own polka/variety band, "The Express", through the 70''s, 80''s, and into the 90''s, performing at many celebrations in central Pennsylvania and surrounding states. He devoted many hours to the former St. Peter''s Slovenian Parish, until it''s closing and was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, both in Steelton.

He was a lifetime member of St. Aloysius Lodge #42 of the American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ) and served on the lodge''s executive board in various positions, coordinated many cultural events, musical concerts and fundraisers for the society. He served as manager of St. Al''s Club for a stint in the 1960''s and 1990''s and was a member of St. Lawrence Lodge #13 of the Croatian Fraternal Union.

On August 3, 1968, John married the love of his life, Rita Dodaro. John was a loving, proud and devoted husband and father to their children, Mark and Jennifer, supporting them in their every endeavor. Being their dad brought him great joy. Later, John became a grandfather, his self-professed "favorite job title".

John loved being surrounded by family, friends, musicians and neighbors in his home during the holidays or for any reason at all. His home was always a welcoming place filled with music, laughter and love. His favorite saying was, "Come early and stay late!".

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Rita Dubravec, their son, Mark (Lisa Perrin) Dubravec, daughter, Jennifer (Eugene) Rhoads; grandchildren, Gregory (Mackayla) Rhoads, Petty Officer 2nd Class Karl "Dylan" Rhoads, Maggie Rhoads (fiance` Westin Kolaric), Micah Dubravec and Melina Dubravec and a great-grandson expected in January; sister-in-law, Kata Dubravec, a niece and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial with be celebrated on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 11:00 am in Prince of Peace-Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 815 S. Second St., Steelton with Rev. Steven Arena, his Pastor, as Celebrant. Private burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00 until 11:00 am in his church. Arrangements are being handled by Wiedeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Oberlin. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Assn., 2595 Interstate Dr., Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or St. Jude''s Children''s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.