Albert J. O'Brokta passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026. He was born April 30, 1939 to the late Albert and Rose Seliga O'Brokta. He is survived by his sister-in-law Darlene O’Brokta; his niece Ashley Emerick (Jason); their children Sawyer, Talia, and Wyatt; and his long-time companion, Janice Zahurak. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Ronald and John.

He grew up on the family farm in Fayette County, and he never lost his love of land and farming. He attended schools in German Township, earned his B.S. in Physics at Waynesburg College, and received his Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Tech (CMU).

Wrestling was a large part of Al's life. He wrestled at German Township, but also at Waynesburg College. After graduation from college, he returned to German Township High School where he taught chemistry and physics, and served as assistant wrestling coach. Al continued his teaching at Richland H.S. where he established the wrestling program, and Pine Richland continues its long tradition that he inaugurated as its first coach.

Al left teaching to work for 37 years at Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. He retired as manager of MER: Mechanical, Electrical, Reactor Activity. He and his talented group of over 300 personnel supported the design and maintenance of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. Al worked on many other projects, and he was privileged to participate in 18 sea trials. During his Bettis career, he dedicated himself to the nation and the Navy.

Al found joy in his 100% Polish heritage, racquetball, Jeremiah Johnson's story, clay bird shooting, hunting in the Bitterroot Mountains and British Columbia, pocket knives, beekeeping, cowboy boots, his boat "Southern Comfort", Erie walleye, the poem "Invictus," fly-fishing on the Snake and Salmon rivers, soft-shell crabs, his ATV, planting and harvesting corn and oats, family and so much more. Al's was a life well lived: farmer, teacher, scientist, wrestler, mentor, outdoorsman, coach, and Uncle Ike.

Al's comment by this time would be, "Enough said," but one final wish: "fair winds and following seas."

Memorial contributions may be made to Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780. Phone 508-823-3300. hfotusa.org, or Veteran Bushido Brotherhood, 204 Arch Ave., Greensburg, PA 15601. Jeric@vetbushido.org

Private funeral arrangements were handled by Duster Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 347 E 10th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. To share condolences, please visit dusterfuneral.com