Obituary published on Legacy.com by Kinnick Funeral Home - Youngstown on Oct. 30, 2025.
YOUNGSTOWN - Regina G. "Gina" Yakimoff, 60, of Youngstown's West Side, passed away Monday afternoon, Oct. 27, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family and friends, after a two year courageous battle with cancer.
Gina was born Feb. 23, 1965, in Youngstown, the beloved daughter of Alex and Consuela Mortaro Yakimoff, and was a lifelong area resident.
She was a 1983 graduate of Chaney High School and was employed for more than 25 years at St. Columba Cathedral, where she was cherished by her coworkers and parish family. She was deeply respected for her dedication and kindness, qualities that endeared her to everyone who knew her.
Gina's greatest passion, however, was softball. At age 15, she began playing at Arco Field, and by 17, she had taken on the role of coach - something that quickly became her life's calling. For more than 43 years, Gina played and coached with Mill Creek Junior Baseball, where she built lifelong friendships and earned the admiration and respect of hundreds of players and families. Her dedication extended far beyond the game itself; she taught her girls teamwork, confidence, and heart. Most recently, her team, "Amanda's Angels," reflected the love and unity she inspired.
In recognition of her decades of service, Gina was recently honored with a special plaque from the league for her many years of devotion. In a lasting tribute, Field 1 at Kramer Fields will now proudly bear her name - Gina Yakimoff Field - ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Gina touched countless lives, and the outpouring of love from friends, family, and former players during her final days spoke volumes about the impact she made in her community.
She leaves to carry on her memory her loving mother, Consuela Yakimoff, with whom she made her home; her brothers, Alex Yakimoff and Michael Yakimoff, both of Youngstown, and David Yakimoff of Boardman; and many dear cousins, including Mary Grace Briceland, Alfred and Sharon Pagano, Grace D'Andrea, Adele Mortaro, Anthony Mortaro, Madeline Fedele, Gary (Maggie) Nemergut, Peter Mortaro, Peter Rosace, Madeline Rosace, Karen Nemergut, Tina Honaker, Connie Hughes, Patty Bokanovich, Karen (Joe) Partlow, and their daughter's Abby, Heidi, and Steve, and Tammy Bayer.
She will also be deeply missed by her best friends, Nancy (John) Mshar, whom she lovingly considered her second family; Tara (Dominic) Vigarino and their children, Nico and Mia; and all of her Mill Creek Junior Baseball family, who loved her dearly.
Gina was preceded in death by her father, Alex Yakimoff; her brother, George Yakimoff; and her grandparents, Anthony and Grace Mortaro and George and Josephine Yakimoff.
Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.
All are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at St. Columba Cathedral, 154 W. Wood St., Youngstown. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the church Monday morning for Mass.
Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.
Gina's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all of her family and friends, especially Fran Ciotti, whose love, support, and countless acts of kindness - from her visits to the meals she shared - brought great comfort during Gina's illness. The kindness shown to her and her family will never be forgotten.
The family would also like to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses and aides with Hospice, especially nurses Tonya, Deana, and Christine, and aides Cierra, Lynn, and Jessica, for their exceptional compassion and care for Gina and her family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gina's memory to Mill Creek Junior Baseball, P.O. Box 2967
Youngstown, Ohio 44511, so her spirit may continue to encourage and uplift young players for generations to come.