Obituaries

Edward "Bernie" B. Yetsko, Jr.

8/26/1935 - 9/17/2025

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Obituary For Edward "Bernie" B. Yetsko, Jr.

Edward B. “Bernie” Yetsko, Jr.

August 26, 1935-September 17, 2025

Edward B. “Bernie” Yetsko, Jr., 90, of Altoona, passed away Wednesday at his residence. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Edward B. and Mary (McKinney) Yetsko, Sr.

Bernie married Rita Marie Besendorfer on May 12, 1956.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years; his three daughters: Sue Franco (John), Mary Jo Eamigh (Ron) and Teresa Yetsko all of Altoona and his son, Steve Yetsko (Lori) of Julian; a special niece, Toots Rhoa; eight grandchildren: Kristin Franco, Johnny Franco (Miranda), Sarah Dean (TK), Steve Franco (Kaitlyn), Kim Meloy (Greg), Ben Yetsko, Emily Winters (Matt) and Max Yetsko; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Bernie was preceded in death by his three siblings: Winifred Drexler, Barbara Duffy and Alan Yetsko.

He was a 1953 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School and went on to complete an electrical apprenticeship from the P.R.R. Bernie retired from Bell Telephone in marketing and engineering, with over 30 years of service.

Bernie served in the U.S. Marine Corp.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Bernie was an over 50-year member of both the Brush Mountain Sportsman’s Association and the Unter Uns.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and attending his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. Bernie was mechanically inclined and in his spare time enjoyed working on and fixing things. Most of all, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life.

Friends will be received from 3:30-7:30 pm, Monday, September 22, 2025 at The Stevens Mortuary, 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1405 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602. Committal will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Altoona.

The family suggests that contributions be made in Bernie’s memory to: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1405 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Pinnacle Hospice for the wonderful care that Bernie received.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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Tributes

  • Mixed flowers in a handled basket

    Helene Flick sent Mixed flowers in a handled basket for Edward "Bernie" B. Yetsko, Jr. - 09/19/2025

    Love and prayers, Helene, John, Joe and families

Condolences

  • 09/22/2025

    Mary Lou Georgiana

    Our deepest sympathies to Mary Jo, Sue and families . May he rest in peace. Mary Lou, and Vince Georgiana

  • 09/21/2025

    Tom Saylor

    You have my deepest sympathy and prayers. Coach Yetsko taught us how to be young men and enjoy the game of football. He will be sadly missed.

  • 09/19/2025

    Thom Geishauser

    My Heartfelt condolences to Bernie's family, friends and loved ones. May The Grace, Peace and Love of Our Lord Jesus Christ lead Bernie home and be with all his....RIP in peace Bernie and as some of your ole footballers come together in Jim, Ron, Sep, Bud, Jerry and Joe may The 53 gang build on That Marauder Pride from yesteryear.

  • 09/19/2025

    Joe Frank

    Offering my condolences to Mary Jo and the Yetsko family. Joe Frank

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