Daniel "Dan the Weldin' Man" Drobnick, 67, of Orwigsburg, saw the face of God and found his place in heaven on Wednesday, August 5th.

Daniel was born in Pottsville on April 23, 1959, son of the late Thomas J. and Myrtle E. (Kohler) Drobnick.  For 47 years, he was married to the love of his life, whom he affectionately referred to as "Binkie".  Dan showed his love for her by planning scavenger hunts on their anniversary, leaving small notes for her to see when she got up in the morning, or just calling to check in when he was on a welding job.

He graduated from Blue Mountain High School and found his life's calling as a certified welder.  He started his career at Blue Ray and then worked at Dana Corporation for many years.  After Dana Corporation closed, Dan worked at various other companies before reaching his goal of working for himself.  He did a variety of large and small jobs around the county and beyond; anything from fixing a railing to welding the windows at St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg.  Dan was also the track welder for Big Diamond and Evergreen Raceways.

Dan had a great sense of humor, joking and laughing with people everywhere he went, especially when he was at breakfast with his brother, Randy, at the Country Squire.  He was a proud member of the NRA.  Each year, he loved renting a boat and going crabbing and clamming with his family at Rehoboth Beach.  It reminded him of the childhood trips he used to take with his dad and family.  He enjoyed going to Knoebels to ride the train and Ferris wheel, drive the antique cars, and collect the rings from the Merry-Go-Round.

Dan cherished the title of Pappy from his "bud," his granddaughter Alivia.  He took her on his welding jobs where she acted as his secretary. They enjoyed going to the races, rodeo, demolition derby, having a Turkey Hill hot dog together, watching Shrek and The Three Stooges, and going on motorcycle rides.  He cherished teaching her things like how to drive and all he knew about the world and God.

Daniel had such a strong faith in Jesus.  Every day of his life, he tried to spread the word and love of God.  He was unselfish with his time and talent and tried to help as many people as he could.  He didn't look for anything in return, he did what he thought was right.

He is survived by a daughter, Rachael, a son, Adam, and a granddaughter, Alivia; sister Eileen Thompson, wife of David; brothers John, husband of Sharon; Randy, husband of Judy; Kyle, husband of Loretta; and sister-in-law Carol Rizzardi.  Daniel was preceded in death by his brothers David and John and brother-in-law Max Rizzardi.

In lieu of flowers, do something good in the world or make a memorial contribution to the Hillside SPCA, Po Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.

A Celebration of Life with visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12th from 6-8 pm at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Orwigsburg.

Interment with graveside service will be on Thursday, August 13th at noon at St. John's UCC Cemetery in Auburn.  If you'd like, wear your best black and pink color combination.

He is standing on the beach, watching the waves with Jesus' arm on his shoulder.  Over and out, from Dan the Weldin' Man.

Hillside SPCA
PO Box 233, Pottsville PA 17901
Tel: 1-570-622-7769