Richard J. Yatsko

     Mr. Richard J. "Yats" Yatsko, 63, a resident of Wilkes-Barre's Heights neighborhood, formerly of Wilkes-Barre Township, passed peacefully into Eternal Life Wednesday night, October 5th while in the care of the River View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Plains Township, following a recent illness.

     Born on Friday, February 6, 1959 in Wilkes-Barre Township, he was one of two sons to the late Lawrence M. and Dorothy A. (Snyder) Yatsko.  Rich was educated in the Wilkes-Barre Township and Wilkes-Barre City schools, being a 1977 graduate of the former James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.

     Raised in the Catholic faith, Rich had previously attended Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre.

     Until illness caused his early retirement, Yats was employed by H.P.G. Plastics and previously for Ralmark Manufacturing Company of Larksville.

     In his spare time, he enjoyed watching NASCAR and was a huge follower of the annual Giants Despair hill climb in Laurel Run.  He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and the former Washington Redskins.

     Above all else, Richie was a beloved and well known member of the Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department for many years.  His involvement with the Department garnered him many lifelong friends who will greatly miss his presence in their lives.

     In addition to his parents, Rich was preceded in death by paternal grandparents John and Kathleen Yatsko; maternal grandparents, Charles and Rachel Snyder; Several aunts and uncles including his beloved aunt Faye Klinges.

     Left to cherish his memory are his brother of Texas; Niece Heather Yatsko; Nephews Michael Yatsko; Several additional aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends including John P. Yuknavich of Wilkes-Barre Township; Liza Allan-Charles; Jim Gill and Eric Reese Jr. who all cared for Richie like family.

     Funeral services for Yats will be held privately and at the convenience of the family with no formal visitation. Interment will be with his parents in Saint Mary Roman Catholic Cemetery, 1594 South Main Street, Hanover Township.

     The John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, is honored to care for Rich, his family and friends at this time.

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