Joseph Simon Vranka

1934 - 2022

Joseph Simon Vranka departed this world October 18, 2022, with his wife by his side. Joe was born on October 28, 1934, during the Great Depression, in Johnstown, PA. Son of Slovak immigrants from the Tatra Mountains, his father was a coal miner. After graduating from high school, Joe attended St. Francis University. He did his graduate studies in chemistry at Purdue University from 1956 to 1960. While working as a teaching assistant at Purdue, he met his wife, Effie Rider. They welcomed the first of five children in September of 1960. Joe began working for I.B.M. in 1961. He was an early innovator in computer technology, developing patents in magnetic tape composition. In 1966, Joe relocated from Poughkeepsie, NY to Boulder, CO to be a part of the new I.B.M. plant. The Vrankas found a house in the foothills next to Fourmile Canyon Creek, and it is here they would remain. Following retirement from I.B.M. in 1987, Joe continued his contributions to computer science working with Lexmark, and consulting for various other companies. Joe Vranka was a life-long, progressive Democrat. He never tired of learning, absorbing copious amounts of news and information. He rarely left a Daily Camera crossword puzzle incomplete. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking, eating, and trying new restaurants. Joe was a wonderful role model, especially as father and grandfather. He and Effie delighted in visiting their grandchildren. He was a lover of nature, reveling in the mountains and wildlife surrounding their home, and supporting numerous environmental causes. Joe is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary Vranka, his brother John Joseph Vranka, and his beloved daughters Marilyn Theresa Vranka and Janice Antoinette Vranka. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn Effie Vranka, his brother Robert Vranka of Oakland, CA, his sister Agnes Brennemen (Roger Edwards) of Berkeley, CA, his son Joseph Vranka Jr. (Lorraine Mitchell Vranka) of Clancy, MT; Christine E. Vranka (R. Derek Greene) of Louisville, CO; Michael Vranka (Nishiena S. Gandhi) of Albuquerque, NM; Kennedy Wambalaba of Portland, OR, and his grandchildren: Rispa, Tarik, Brogan, McCoy, Zahra, Zeleika, Xaviera and Siuma. A Memorial will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Unity Columbine Spiritual Center, 8900 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO 80303. In lieu of flowers, please donate to KGNU 88.5 fm or make a Memorial Gift to 350colorado.org