Eugene Edward Obidinski, PhD

North Greenbush, NY - Dr. Eugene Edward Obidinski, 82, of Eastwyck Circle died Monday, June 13, 2016, at Van Rensselaer Manor after a  long illness.

Born in Buffalo, he was son of the late Eugene J. Obidinski and Jane Manka Obidinski and husband  of Cynthia Runas Obidinski for nearly 50 years. He was raised in Scranton, PA and resided in Oneonta from 1970-2014. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Penn State in 1955, his Master's Degree from Fordham University and his Doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1967. 

Dr. Obidinski was a Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York at Oneonta for 25 years and previously at Cedar Crest College, Gannon University (Erie, PA) and Penn State Scranton.  

He was passionate about Polish American culture and wrote for many publications, including the Polish American Journal.  He co-authored a book, Polish-American Folkways, with Helen Zand.  He was awarded the Haiman Memorial Medal by the Polish American Historical Association for an outstanding contribution to the field of Polish-American studies.  An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed spending time in his garden.  He achieved his goal of  traveling to all 50 states.   In addition, he served as a board member of Community Maternity Services at Catholic Charities.

Survivors in addition to his wife include his children, Martha (John) Henley, Wilmington, DE, Laura (Robert) Floge, West Sand Lake, NY, Paul Obidinski, Anaheim, CA and Mary Obidinski, Vista, CA; his sister, Elizabeth (Richard) Neiper, Scranton, PA and his five grandchildren,  Luke, Peter and Ethan Floge and Daniel and Connor Henley.

Relatives and friends may call at the DeGraaf-Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  4392 Route 150 West Sand Lake, NY on Friday, June 17, 2016 from 4-7 PM. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, at 10:30 AM at St. Peter and Paul Church 1309 W. Locust Street, Scranton, PA.

Interment will be in  St. Peter and Paul Cemetery Scranton, PA.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Eugene Edward Obidinski to the Catholic Charities 40 North Main Avenue Albany, NY 12203.

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