The Rev. Dr. Francis (Frank) Yesko passed away on Wednesday, May 14, at home after a year-long battle with multiple health issues.
He will be remembered for the hearts he touched so greatly doing the Lord’s work as the priest at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Brackenridge, PA. He found joy through his ability to help others in need while serving his parish.
He was a big advocate for education, eventually obtaining a doctorate in education from Duquesne University; he spent many years as an adjunct professor at CCAC teaching Psychology.
Through teaching, he formed many lasting connections with his students which he treasured. Per his students, he made learning fun. Frank was also a mentor that provided comfort and guidance to many families and friends.
He was very creative and loved to challenge himself by using his imagination to create many things. Frank loved to paint and carve, even making handmade drums, candles, a keepsake chest, and dream catchers. He also spent time reading and writing spiritual material.
In his earlier years, he was a basketball player for St. Anselm High School and Juniata College. As one of the early members of the Pittsburgh Irish Rowing Club, he formed many long-lasting friendships. In his later years he loved to have “jam sessions,” as he would say, on the porch with his guitar while surrounded by friends.
A steward of God’s creation, he also enjoyed spending time preparing his garden in the spring and summer. Frank will be fondly remembered by all who knew him as a smiling face, a gentle spirit, a confidant, and rock to many. He had a big heart, and his compassion is evidenced by the lives that he touched.
Father Frank is the beloved father to Francine Yesko; loving brother to Lori (Scott) Whited; dear uncle to Drew (Meredith) Whited, Grant Whited, Nathan Yesko, and Mary Baker; loving nephew to Geraldine Slattery, Thomas “Hap” O’Connor, and many loving cousins. He is preceded in death by parents, Mary Patricia and Frank V. Yesko, as well as his brother, Major Gregory M. Yesko.
Visitations will be held on Thursday, May 22, at Thomas Nied Funeral Home, 7441 Washington Street, Swissvale, PA 15218, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. and on Friday, May 23, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 989 Morgan St, Brackenridge, PA 15014.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Frank’s name. Condolences may be mailed to St. Barnabas and will be forwarded to the family.
O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of thy servant Francis and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
–BCP p. 470