Ligonier man served his country and community
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Francis Yandrick was a man who served his country and community, fighting in the Army during World War II and serving on Ligonier Borough Council.
“He really did love the town of Ligonier,” said his granddaughter, Natalie Headley of Baltimore.
Francis X. Yandrick of Ligonier died Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, in Life’s Promise Personal Care Home in Ligonier. He was 98.
He was born Jan. 30, 1922, in Latrobe, a son of the late John and Barbara Kropec Yandrick.
He graduated from Latrobe Area High School.
He joined the Army during World War II, attaining the rank of sergeant. He was at Okinawa during the war, said his daughter-in-law, Tina Yandrick of Ligonier.
When he returned home after the war, he attended Saint Vincent College and graduated magna cum laude while earning a degree in accounting.
Mr. Yandrick worked as an accountant for the Kennametal Corp. of Latrobe for more than 35 years. He used his accounting skills in helping the Ligonier Valley Library, Tina Yandrick said.
Mr. Yandrick was a member of Ligonier Borough Council from 1974 to 1976. He also served as judge of elections in Ligonier for many years, Tina Yandrick said.
He took seriously the responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen. He was honored in 2010 with his induction into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame for voting in every November election for at least 50 consecutive years.
Mr. Yandrick was respected enough to be elected commander of the Byers-Tosh American Legion No. 267.
He loved to dance to Big Band music and enjoyed the concerts that were held at the Ligonier Band Stand in the center of the Diamond in downtown Ligonier, his granddaughter said.
He also liked to plant a garden and particularly liked zucchini.
“He liked to make zucchini casserole,” Tina Yandrick said.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gwendolyn Crabtree Yandrick, in 1991; a brother; and eight sisters.
Surviving are his son, Donald F. Yandrick and his wife, Tina, of Ligonier; a grandson; a granddaughter; and five great-grandchildren.
Friends were received at J. Paul McCracken Funeral Chapel Inc., 144 E. Main St., Ligonier. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with the Rev. Anthony J. Carbone as celebrant. Interment will follow in Donegal Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Mr. Yandrick’s memory to the Ligonier Valley Food Bank.