Obituary of Paul Yanak

Age 86, of Bethel Park, peacefully on Tuesday, August 2, 2011. The son of Czechoslovakian immigrants Michael and Anna Yanak. After graduating from Farrell High School in 1943 he was drafted by the Army and was stationed in the South Pacific with the 38th Infantry Division, known as the Avengers of Bataan. He landed with the initial assault wave in the invasion of Bataan and also fought in the battles of Leyte, Luzon and Corregidor. Wounded twice, he was awarded the Purple Heart and also received the Bronze Star, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 battle stars and the Philippine Liberation Medal with a bronze star. The GI Bill allowed him to attend Edinboro State College where he earned a Bachelor"s Degree. He taught several years in the rural Point Marion School District (now part of Albert Gallatin) traveling from school to school teaching art to all grades. While living in Point Marion, he met his wife Dorothy and also earned his Master"s Degree from W.V.U. He then joined the Bethel Park School District where he became head of the Art Department. He retired from teaching in 1982. He enjoyed 29 years of retirement during which he assisted his children"s families with home improvement projects and spent time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed movies, boxing, politics, reading and doing projects around the house. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy of 55 years as well as his three brothers Mike, John and George and his four sisters Mary, Anne, Helen and Ethel. Cherishing his memory and remembering his sense of humor are his son John (Becky) and daughter Sue (Ron) Berkstresser and his grandchildren Kristen (David), Jay (Lissa), Scott, Laura, Rachel and Zach as well as nieces, nephews and other family. Friends received Sunday, 12 noon - 2:00pm & 5 - 7pm, concluding with a Parastas service at 7:00pm, in the Warchol Funeral Home, Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412-221-3333). A Funeral Liturgy will be held Monday, 11 am, at St. Gregory"s Byzantine Catholic Church, Upper St. Clair. A Panachida Service will be held Monday, 10 am, in the funeral home. Inurnment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church, 2005 Mohawk Rd., Upper St. Clair, PA 15241, Paul"s parish for almost 40 years.