Stephen Yankovich, Sr., 75, of Clifford Township, PA, died Friday, October 7, 2022 at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton, PA. He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann (Wood) Yankovich. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 29, 2022.

Born December 13, 1946 in Carbondale, PA, he was the son of the late Stephen and Justine Demchak Yankovich.

Steve was a 1964 graduate of Lakeland High School and Wyoming Technical Institute. He had been employed as a heavy equipment operator with Local 542, International Union of Operating Engineers and was considered one of the greatest Gradall operators in America. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War in 1968 and a member of Elk Mountain VFW, Post 8488 in Lenox. Steve was also a member of Aurora Masonic Lodge 523 in Jermyn and was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and farming. Steve was a very generous person and donated his time and finances to any and all who were in need. Both St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Children were two foundations that were very near and dear to him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Geisinger Community Medical Center and hospice care for all of their care, compassion and support.

He is survived by his son: Stephen Peter Yankovich of Clifford Township, PA; daughter: Pavi-Elle (Yankovich) Morris and husband, Patrick of Kenosha, WI; granddaughter: Mila Morris; his brother: Paul Yankovich and wife, Kay of Benton, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter: Jaime Lyn Yankovich; and his sister: Mary Ann Newak.

A Requiem service was held Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. from St. John's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, 706 Hill Street, Mayfield, PA, with the Very Reverend Mitred Archpriest John Sorochka, officiating. Interment with military honors by the Elk Mountain VFW, Post 8488 took place in the parish cemetery, Mayfield, PA.

Pallbearers: Stephen Yankovich, Paul Yankovich, Patrick Morris, Richard Meloni, Paul Bell and John Bell

Viewing hours were held Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. at the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 18 Airport Road, Clifford, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations were made to St. Joseph's Center in Scranton.