Robert H. Yockey Sr.

Robert Harold Yockey Sr., M.D., 99, formerly of Kittanning, passed away peacefully Friday, April 3, 2015, in Modesto, Calif. He was known as a man of integrity, kindness and generosity. Born March 3, 1916, in Zelienople, Dr. Yockey was raised by parents, Mary and Harold Yockey, with brothers, John and George, now deceased. After graduating from high school in 1934, he attended the University of Pittsburgh, for an intensive academic program, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1939 and a Doctor of Medicine in 1940. Dr. Yockey married Florence Rice in 1942 and shared his life with her for 49 years, ending with her death in 1991. Together, they raised two sons, Robert Harold Yockey Jr. of Turlock, Calif., and Edward Mark Yockey, deceased. He subsequently married Jean Siler, of Atascadero, Calif., in 1994, and enjoyed 12 years of marriage before her passing in 2006. Dr. Yockey is survived by a son; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. During World War II, Dr. Yockey enlisted in the Medical Corps of the Army and served his country as a flight surgeon from 1942 to 1946 in campaigns over Italy, France and the Balkans. After being honorably discharged, Dr. Yockey moved to Kittanning and began a career of more than 50 years as an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, Dr. Yockey loved to play golf, travel the world and spend time with his family. He served his church and community, in many capacities before retiring to Modesto in 1989 to be closer to his son. Dr. Yockey will be deeply missed by son, Robert and daughter-in-law, Jamie McCreary, of Turlock; family friend, Jerry Weedon, of Waterford; and his many friends in California and Pennsylvania. His loss is acutely felt by his three nieces and three nephews, who remember his kindness in their early years; and by his grandchildren, Rachelle Bowser, of Ford City, and Beth Trejo, Robert Yockey and Edward Mark Yockey, of Milwaukee, Wis. In retirement, Dr. Yockey was open and ready for everything, including spending a summer painting a porch with his daughter-in-law, traveling around California in tour-busses and leading water aerobics at the age of 96. He shared his gentle humor with his friends and family and was fascinated by history and science. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Kittanning. He will be laid to rest at Lawn Haven Burial Estates in Worthington alongside his wife, Florence, and son, Edward Mark. The family requests that donations in his name be made to Habitat to Humanity, in lieu of flowers.