Richard J. Yanko

Richard J. “Dick” Yanko of West Chester, PA, passed away on November 14, 2022 peacefully and comfortably surrounded by his family and loved ones. Dick is preceded by his beloved wife, Jean Yanko (May 10, 2010).

Dick is survived by his five children: Steve Yanko, Laura Yanko Hill, Janet (Joe) Derkits, Julie (Sempad) Odabashian, AJ Yanko, and his ten grandchildren: Danielle (James) Rodgers, Robert “Bobby” (Casey) Hill IV, Joseph Derkits, Paige Hill, Kristina Derkits, Nicholas Odabashian, Vaughn Yanko, Britney Odabashian, Ryan Odabashian, Chris Yanko, and his three great grandchildren: Robert “Bear” Hill V, Eleanore Jean Rodgers, and Kelly JoAnn Hill.

He met his love, Jean, at a town fair in 1950 and they fell in love instantly. They were married on August 22, 1953. He proudly served in the United States Navy on the USS Boxer CV21 in the Korean War. He and Jean were active members of St. John Neumann parish as eucharistic ministers and volunteers at the Mother of Sorrows parish and soup kitchen in Philadelphia. They had a passion for traveling. They have been to 48 states, Japan and all over Europe.

Dick was an executive at Hewlett Packard for 24 years retiring in 1991. He could not stay retired for long. His passion for working with people and helping others kept him busy with several occupations after his retirement from HP. In 2005 he began working at Acme in Newtown Square. He was the most loved employee by coworkers and customers alike. He worked at Acme for 16 years, until he was 91 years old. In October 2022, Dick celebrated 53 years of sobriety.

He was an avid sports fan. He especially loved cheering on his Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers as well as the University of Virginia lacrosse team. He enjoyed watching golf and betting on horse races. Dick and Jean were passionate about music, especially Jimmy Buffet, Frank Sinatra, and Franki Valli.

Family, Friends and Faith were of the utmost importance to Dick. He instilled the importance of these values in his children and grandchildren. He absolutely loved spending time with his grandchildren; they meant the world to him. He loved everything from weekly dinners, to Holiday trips up to NYC, and attending their sports and life events. He was ecstatic to welcome and enjoy his three great-grandchildren, as well. Dick’s favorite hobby was to take and print photos of his adventurous and beautiful life.

Legend is a person who is very famous and many stories are told about them. Also a word that comes to mind for most family, friends, and coworkers when describing Dick. He was famous anywhere he went and his family is grateful for the years of memories, experiences, and stories they will tell about their Papa for generations to come. Dick lived a long, full life and was ready to meet his wife, Jean, in heaven.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Dick’s life at his Funeral Mass on Tuesday, November 22nd at 10:00 a.m., St. John Neumann Church, Radnor Road and Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr PA 19010, where friends may visit from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday at Church.

Relatives and friends may also visit Monday, November 21st evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Logan-Videon Funeral Home, 2001 Sproul Rd., Broomall, PA 19008. 

You’re invited to continue the celebration of Dick’s life at the Great American Pub (Conshohocken) for a luncheon starting at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.