LT. COL. VICTOR A. YANASHESKI (Retired) Aug. 13, 1932 - Nov. 11, 2015. Victor passed away peacefully on Veterans Day surrounded by family. He was born and grew up in Wilkes Barre, PA, graduated from Marymount HS, in Wilkes Barre and earned a BA from the Univ. of Nebraska. Victor proudly served as a Pilot in the US Air Force for 23 years. Most of his career was piloting a KC-135 tanker. Included was a combat tour in Vietnam (68') piloting an AC-47 aka Puff. He was awarded several medals helping ground troops, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Silver Oak Clusters and a Purple Heart. After his military career at March AFB in California, Victor remained in Riverside and had several business ventures including ownership of a liquor store, a video store franchise, a residential construction co., and a real estate brokerage. Victor, aka Dr. Doolittle, loved animals, especially those who were unwanted. He taught us to appreciate and respect the beauty of nature and all the critters that lived there. He loved fishing, especially for trout, standing in a river, with the sun on his face, hoping to catch the 'lunker' behind every rock. Then there were the countless hours at the park 'shagging' baseballs, snow skiing, hiking, working on fixer-uppers, fixing cars & boats, numerous cross-country adventures across the USA with his sons, all to teach and prepare them for life. Although Victor could be a handful, he was a charming and generous man and will be missed by all who knew him. Victor's family would like to gratefully acknowledge his caregivers Cathy & Marissa, the staff at Pacifica Senior Living, Riverside, and Golden Years Hospice for the warm friendship, love and compassionate care they provided. God Bless. Preceded in death by his parents Victor & Emilia of Wilkes Barre, PA, and his brother Joseph of Mountaintop, PA. He is survived by his sister Lillian Sokoloski of Wilkes-Barre PA; sons Victor (Mary Lopez) of San Francisco, CA and Steven of Riverside CA and grand-daughters Ashley and Avery. In-lieu of flowers, it would put a smile on Vic's face if you make a donation to your local SPCA, or to the Wounded Warrior Project. You can also remember Victor by spending time visiting an elderly family member or friend. Private Burial Service will be at Riverside National Cemetery.
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Published in Press-Enterprise on Nov. 27, 2015
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