John Yarina

John Yarina went to Heaven to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 30, 2024.  John was born on November 12, 1941, to his beloved parents, Charles and Mary (Machik) Yarina in the Minersville section of Johnstown.  Welcoming him to Heaven are his parents, his cherished wife, Geraldine (Jeri) (Jakubik), his precious infant children, John, Jr. and Grace Elizabeth, and his beloved sister, Donna Yarina along with his in-laws Anthony and Josephine Jakubik.

John grew up closely with his cousins, preceded in death by Mary (Rocha) and Louis Ferraro, Joseph and Betty Rocha, Stephen Machik, William Penkosky, David Miller, Jeffrey Wilkinson and Linda Rocha.  He is survived by Robert and Alice Rocha, Helen (Rocha) Penkosky, Fr. Myron and Dolores (Rocha) Zuder, Eleanor (Rocha) Miller, Jenny (Rocha) Wilkinson, Eleanor Kirshak, and William Rocha.  Also, John will be deeply missed by his in-laws Jim and JoAnn (Jakubik) Stamplis and Jeff and Mary F. (Jakubik) Bunk along with nephews Jarrod Bunk, Ben Stamplis, Chris Stamplis and niece, Jenna Bunk, who he affectionately called “Paguch”. 

John graduated from Greater Johnstown High School, Class of 1960.  He briefly worked for the City of Johnstown before volunteering to join the Air Force in 1963 during the Vietnam War. He served our country for 4 years attaining the rank of Sergeant as an Air Police.  He was given the Air Force Commendation Medal of Meritorious Service.  On returning home, he was employed by Bethlehem Steel and by the Greater Johnstown School District.  A member of Christ the Saviour ACRY since the age of 16, John was also caretaker of the cemetery and assisted with numerous activities at Christ the Saviour Educational Center, including weddings, banquets and fundraisers.  He enjoyed going on bus trips for ACRY bowling tournaments and enjoyed watching sports on TV.  His favorite teams were Penn State, Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Reds and Boston Bruins.  John was extremely generous and loved trivia and history.

Viewing will be held at Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home from 2-7 PM on Tuesday, May 7th with a Panachida at 6:30 PM.  Funeral service will be held at Christ the Savior Cathedral at 10 AM Very Reverend Protopresbyter Robert Buczak. Interment will be held at Christ the Saviour Cathedral Cemetery in Middle Taylor with military honors by VFW Menoher Post 155 Ritual Team. 

The family would like to thank the Villa Personal Care Home, the excellent nurses on 7 Rose, 6 Ashman ICU and Palliative Care at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. 

We also want to thank all veterans for their service to our country!  In lieu of flowers, please donate to Christ the Saviour Educational Center or Christ the Saviour Cemetery Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Yarina, please visit our floral store.