It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Leo A Yunker on July 28, 2024, shortly after a surgery to repair a fractured hip following a fall. Leo was in his 101st year.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania January 27, 1924 to Leo D Yunker and Marie Yunker. Predeceased by beloved wife Ellen, (mother to David), cherished wife Shirley and siblings Regis, Joseph, Dolores and Mercedes.
Survived by son David (& Marlene), granddaughter Lisa (& Mike Fortuna), grandson Eric, and great granddaughter, Kaitlyn along with many grandchildren, nieces & nephews in Florida, Pittsburgh and Minnesota.
With warmest affection “Lee” (& Shirley) held Brenda Barker, daughter Sam, and Brenda’s husband Adil as part of the family. David and Marlene wish to thank them for their years of friendship, support and love to both Lee and Shirley – right to the end. Words cannot fully express how much they are appreciated.
We also wish to thank David’s cousins Tom, June, Greg and Ed for their assistance during and after Shirley’s passing and through Covid. It was a difficult time for dad. And a thanks to Lee’s neighbour and fellow parishioner, Larry Peterson, for his assistance with dad during Covid.
Leo was a proud veteran who served in the United States Army during WWII. He worked for United Airlines for 30 years as a ground supervisor and never complained about the bitterly cold winters on the tarmac. He loved his job and he loved Pittsburgh. After retiring in 1982 Lee and Shirley remained in Crafton, PA. They were married November 12, 1991 and then in 1994 they decided to enjoy the warm weather of Florida year-round and moved to Pinellas Park near where his sister, “Cede” and family lived. He loved his “Mainlands” home but reluctantly agreed to move to Wickshire Countryside after Shirley’s passing. Although it wasn’t “home”, he did grow to enjoy making new friends and having company right outside his door. He was a very social person who thrived on relationships and having some fun.
He was a devout Catholic who served at his church, Sacred Heart for many years. This was probably the most important thing to him—his faith. Dad and Shirley gave freely of their time volunteering when and where needed.
Lee had a playful sense of humour and loved to constantly make those around him laugh. Whether he was flirting with a waitress, making jokes with his medical team during VA appts, or strolling around a mall and chatting with strangers, he continued to enjoy life even through his challenges. He also loved going out to dinner – “More mozzarella sticks, please. Yes I’d love a glass of wine!” And …”NO mushrooms!”
He could never finish his entree… but there was always room for dessert!
We are so happy he continued to love our outings right up until June 2024 and we were so looking forward to our next visit in September. But it was not to be. We hope you can now be at rest, at peace, and join those you loved. Make ‘em laugh!
We are thankful that we planned a surprise 100th birthday party at Wickshire Countryside in January with 35 party goers…. And a surprise for Dad – a driveby and recognition by the Heart Strings for Heroes, the Patriot Guard Riders, and Born to Ride organizations -organized by Wade Sabourin, Pastor Jere Gunderman, Kirk Ramirez, George Colella and others, in honor of Dad’s military service during WW11.
A special thank you for dad’s care at Wickshire Countryside – to Melba, Debbie, Angela and front desk ladies, Leah and Ruth.
To the VA medical team at Bay Pines – Dr. Tseng and Rodney, NP Thao, Dr. Privish, Social Worker Alia Boucher along with many others we appreciate, along with dad, the care given him.
And finally to Mease Hospital who cared for dad on more than one occasion and to Aspire Countryside Rehabilitation Center for their assistance and care in dad’s final days.
(RESCHEDULED DUE TO STORM))
A Mass will be at Sacred Heart at 11:00am on Friday October 4th, 2024. Private Family interment at Bay Pines National Cemetery will take place at later date.
David, Your Dad was a caring loving person. He is with God and I know he is happy.
Lee & Shirley were like a mom & dad & best friend. We attend 8 AM Mass and always checked on each other if one of us didn’t show for Mass
I had the opportunity to take them out to eat after dark one Friday night. They hadn’t been out on 19 after dark for awhile. It was like having 2 kids at Christmas. Lee would say”look Shirley at all the lights etc”
They are both so missed in my life. RIP Lee you will always be in my thoughts & prayers
Where do I begin?? First to the family – Our condolences to David and to Lee’s family for your loss. I know Lee from Sacred Heart and you can say that Lee and Shirley adopted me – my mother too. We would meet after Mass at Panera for coffee. Lee and Shirley had their group of friends who over the years had gotten smaller and smaller until it was just the two of them. We would always say hello and visit with the group – it just made sense that the four of us would sit together. I loved hearing about Pittsburgh, how Lee and Shirley met, their move and their fun times at the Pier with friends. Their zest for life was contagious! Our coffee dates turned to lunch dates and Christmas dessert after their family gatherings. My Mother hosted Christmas and Easter, and they were always invited. Both Lee and Shirley meant a lot to me and were so inspiring. I am heartbroken they are gone, but know they are in a good place. I am so glad Lee got to have that last hoorah for this 100 Birthday. I will miss him terribly. Rest in Peace my friend.
I know Leo and Shirley from Sacred Heart. They worked with me in the Food area for each Fall Festival. They would serve inside food and Leo would come up to me each day and ask if I had vanilla coconut cake. I always bought one to have on hand for Leo and always took him a piece before it was gone. I have so many memories working the Fall Festivals with such a loving and caring couple. Rest easy, my friend and enjoy endless vanilla coconut cake!