Richard P. Yonchak 1946-2026

Richard was born Aug. 1, 1946, in Sharon, Pa., a son to Paul M. and Helen B. Belus Yonchak.

He graduated from Brookfield High School in 1964 and shortly thereafter enlisted with the U.S. Navy.

Self was forgotten the day he left his home to help defend our flag and keep our country free. He was assigned to the USS New Orleans as a dental technician. His decorations and citations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from his duties with the rank of DT3.

Following his return home, Rich landed a position as a slitter operator with the Packard Electric Warren plant. He dedicated over 31 years of service to the company before retiring. In addition, he may be remembered for cutting the fairways and greens at Yankee Run Golf Course, Brookfield, for over 20 years.

He was an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Vienna, where he was a fixture for the fish fries during the Lenten season as well as serving as a former lecturer and usher. Furthermore, he was a member of the Sharon Steel golf league, the Sunday Night Mixed Bowling League at Thornton Hall and IUE 717.

In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, cutting grass, crossword puzzles and building puzzles. However, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, gave him the most joy.

Survivors include his bride, Nancy J. Bogner Yonchak, whom he married July 1, 1967; daughters, Lisa Marie Costa (Christopher) and Shelley Sinkuc (James); former exchange student and bonus daughter, Adriana Mingotti-Paiva (Ricardo) and their children, Manuela and Francisco; grandchildren, Joshua (McKenna), Elena (Zach), Isabella, Ciara (Nikhil) and Gianna; sisters, Paula Pinch (Edward), Marcia Karg (Dick), and Donna Davis (Michael); and many nieces and nephews.

His parents preceded him in death.

A time of gathering to honor Rich will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at the home of Briceland Funeral Service LLC, 379 state Route 7 SE, Brookfield, OH 44403.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 4453 Warren Sharon Road, Vienna, OH 44473, where military honors will be rendered by the West Middlesex and Wheatland Honor Guard. He will be laid to rest in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Hermitage, Pa.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Youngstown Blue Coats for Veterans and Homeless Individuals, 2654 N. Main St., Hubbard, OH 44425 or visit www.ytownbluecoats.org.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com.

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