Nick S. Yackovich Sr.

1935 - 2021

Nick Sava Yackovich Sr., 86, of Rillton, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, March 1, 2021. He was born Jan. 27, 1935, in Rillton, son of the late Simo and Helen (Poznick) Yackovich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, August and Viola DiGiacobbe; an infant sister, Amelia Yackovich; two sisters, Annie Bazala and Amelia Damiano; two brothers, George Yackovich and Miller Yackovich; and his son, Michael Yackovich. Nick graduated from Sewickley Township High School and then served our country in the Army. He was a life member of the Rillton VFW Post 8518, where he served as trustee for many years. He trained as a diesel mechanic in Chicago, Ill., and worked as a mechanic until his "retirement". He was an avid gardener, and he could usually be found on Saturday mornings tinkering in his garage to the sounds of his favorite Serbian music. If anyone in Rillton or the surrounding areas needed anything fixed, they could always take it to Nick. He also loved to show off his two great-grandchildren. He was the best Jedo anyone could ever ask for! He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Janice (DiGiacobbe) Yackovich; children, Mary (Frederick) Collins, of Mt. Pleasant, and Nick (Amy) Yackovich, of McFarland, Wis.; grandchildren, Catherine (Jonathan) Humphreys, Lauren (Shawn) O'Brien, Megan (Thomas) Croxford, Kristen Collins and Michael Eli (Destiney) Yackovich; two great-grandchildren, Grace Humphreys and Mason Eli Yackovich, sisters, Mary Nagoda, of Export, Angeline Babich, of Yukon, Catherine Anthony, of Rillton, Joann (Richard) Stepinsky, of Herminie, and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. A viewing will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME, 404 Sewickley Ave., Herminie. A final viewing will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with service to follow at Holy Ascension of our Lord Serbian Orthodox Church at 11 a.m. with Father Rumen Stoychev officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Irwin Union Cemetery. Parastas service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening in the funeral home. COVID restrictions will be adhered to. Social distancing and masks are required. Funeral home occupancy will be limited to 25 people at a time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Nick's name to Holy Ascension Serbian Orthodox Church, 24 N. Third St., Youngwood, PA 15697. To send online condolences, please visit www.nickelsfuneralhomeinc.com.