Chester J. "Chet" Baran, Jr, M.D., age 89, passed peacefully in Bradenton on August 11, 2024. He relocated to Bradenton from his birthplace, Philadelphia, in 1968 where he established his medical practice of Radiology. Dr. Baran received a BA degree from the University of Pennsylvania, MD from the Temple University School of Medicine, and an internship at Lackland Air Force Hospital. This was followed by a three-year stint as an Air Force Flight Surgeon, attaining the rank of Captain in the Strategic Air Command. He then completed a residency in radiology at Temple University Hospital.
In 1969, he co-founded the practice of Radiology, known then as Baran & Stoutamyer. He and 29 other local physicians founded Blake Memorial Hospital in 1973. Dr. Baran was on active staff at Manatee Memorial, Blake Memorial, and Southbay Hospitals.
He was elected to the Manatee County School Board in 1972, serving as Chairman in 1973-76, past President of the Bradenton Country Club, a member of the DeSoto Historical Society, a former director of the South Florida Museum, Manatee Medical Society, and numerous other professional organizations in addition to Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
His parents, Maria and Chester Baran, and his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Shirley, predeceased him. Survivors include his devoted wife, Elena; four children: Pamela J. Baran of Sarasota, Kimberly J. Thomas of Naples, Mark R. Baran of Alexandria, Va., and Gregg A. Baran of Sarasota; stepdaughter, Kristina Zvaritch; and seven grandchildren: Tyler, McLean, Laura, Christopher, Matthew, John Armer, and Ret.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory at 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. A Funeral Mass will be held at Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow at Fogartyville Cemetery, Bradenton, FL. After the interment, family, friends, and others are also invited to Pier 22, located on 1200 1st Avenue West, from 12 PM to 2 PM to reminisce and honor the life of Dr. Baran. Brown and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of funeral arrangements
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Florida Museum.
