Russell L. Yeckley, 56, of Latrobe, Penn., died Aug. 13, 2011, in UPMC Shadyside.
He was born Aug. 28, 1954, in Kalamazoo, Mich., the son of Russell N. and June R. (McManus) Yeckley, of Murrysville. A man of great faith, Russ’ hard-fought battle against cancer has now ceased and he was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Scott and Amanda, his children, have been his pride and joy.
Yeckley had a passion for his work at Kennametal Inc., a manager of Global Ceramic Technology, and was highly respected in the industry. Throughout his career in research and development, he had been awarded several patents. He had also belonged to The American Ceramic Society and Kennametal Employees Association. He was a member of ACerS Basic Science Division.
He was a devoted member of the Victorious Life Church. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed deer hunting, clay shooting, and was a member of the Kingston Veterans and Sportsmen’s Club Archery Committee. A Penn State alumni, he enjoyed watching and attending college football games. He enjoyed watching NASCAR racing on television as well.
Besides his parents, Russ is survived by his wife, Roberta R. “Robbie” (Dunmire) Yeckley, of Latrobe; his son, Scott R. Yeckley, at home, and his daughter, Amanda R. Yeckley, at home; a sister, Norma Buerk and her husband, David, of Waterford; a brother-in-law, Darryl Dunmire and his wife, Cathy, of Ford City; a sister-in-law, Diana Burkett and her husband, Jim, of Vandergrift; and his mother-in-law, Colene Dunmire, of Vandergrift. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and one aunt.
(Information from ACerS Records and the John J. Lopatich Funeral Home)