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John A. Yakobitis, Sr., 93, left his earthly existence to be in the hands of Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 11, 2021 in the peaceful and loving setting of Geisinger South's Residential Hospice.
He was the son of the late Anthony and Nellie Weirbowski Yakobitis of West Pittston.
He battled many illnesses during his lifetime but always stayed positive and true to his convictions. He had such a friendly and easy going personality and was fortunate to share his life with his wife of 70 years, Helen Brown Yakobitis who received eternal life in October 2020. Their love and family commitments truly exemplified that they were part of the "greatest nation" known to all who knew them. May they enjoy heavenly peace together again.
They had the sad task of burying a nine year old child, Kevin, who succumbed to leukemia at such a young age in 1969.
Mr. Yakobitis was a U. S. Army veteran having served post World War II in 1945. He retired in 1982 after a lengthy career with American Chain and Cable and later at Bridon American Corp., Exeter, Pa.
John played the guitar/ banjo and played in several bands along side Leonard Charney, the most notable being PAL.
They became the house band for many years at Lowe's Restaurant, Wilkes-Barre. He often listened to recordings of the band years later on his CD player. John loved the game of basketball. He was quite the player in his high school years. " Mr. Yak" as he was affectionately known, was the statistician for the Wyoming Area Basketball program under head coach Jerry Zezza and later as the "Statman" for his son Kenneth who was the WA basketball coach from 2005-2010. Mr. Yak enjoyed watching basketball and was a tremendous fan of the famed NCAA March Madness Tourney. He was a big Bobby Knight fan and for the the past few seasons enjoyed being a fan of Gonzaga University., and a closet Yankee Fan.
During his retirement, John was the Golf Starter at Fox Hill Country Club for many years. He was a scratch golfer as well and enjoyed fishing in his spare time. He was also an avid gardener as well.
He is survived by his sons John, Jr. ( Lisa) Duryea, Raymond, West Pittston, Ronald, his beloved caretaker at home, Gerard, West Pittston, Kenneth ( Marybeth) , Pittston.
Preceding him in death In addition to his wife Helen, were his daughter in law, Josette Clate Yakobitis , in December 2017, a brother Edward and a sister Eleanor Wheeler.
His surviving grandchildren whom he dearly loved are John Yakobitis III (Katie), Mill City, Nicole Yakobitis, Philadelphia, Faith Haughwout ( Kevin0, Jenkins Twp;. Andrew, West Pittston, Amanda, Harrisburg, Michael, West Pittston and Kendra, Dallas, Pa.
His beloved great grandchildren are Violet and Everett and Kelsey Yakobitis Brown.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday March 14, from 6-8pm at the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, LLC, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter.
Military funeral services will be on Monday at 10:30am from the funeral home accorded by the AMVETS Honor Guard.
A Mass of Christian burial will then follow at 11am at Corpus Christi Parish, Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston with the Msgr. John Sempa, pastor as celebrant.
Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Twp.
To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com
We would like to thank all the doctors and nurses who provided loving service this past several weeks for our beloved parent.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Corpus Christi Social Concerns program c/o Corpus Christi Parish.\\"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yok is easy and my burden is light" Matthew 11:28-30
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