FATHER ROBERT J. YETSKO

YETSKO
FATHER ROBERT J., T.O.R.
57, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died suddenly on Monday, November 18, 2013, in an automobile accident in La Jose, Pennsylvania. He was born on July 2, 1956 in Altoona, Pennsylvania and given the name Kevin. He is the son of Doris J. Gates and the late Robert J. Yetsko. He was a graduate of McNelis Catholic Grade School, Altoona, PA, and Bishop Guilfoyle High School, Altoona, PA. After high school graduation, Father Robert entered the Third Order Regular on August 24, 1974. He professed his temporary vows on June 1, 1976, and his solemn vows on June 1, 1981. Father Robert was ordained to the priesthood by the late Bishop James Hogan of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, St. Francis University, Loretto, PA on June 9, 1984. Father Robert received his Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from St. Francis University in May 1979, and Masters of Divinity degree from University of St. Michael College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. During his long and faithful ministry, Father Robert served as follows: 1984-1986, Campus Ministry and Instructor in Philosophy, St. Francis University, Loretto, PA; 1986-1989, Pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Patton, PA; 1989-1992 Pastoral Care, Southside Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA; 1992-1994, Parochial Vicar, St. Maria Goretti Church, Arlington, Texas; 1994-2000, Pastor, St. Matthew Church, Pittsburgh, PA; 2000-2008, Pastor, Ss. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Punxsutawney, PA; 2008-2010, Local Minister, St. Francis Friary, Loretto, PA; 2010-2012, Pastor, Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, Johnstown, PA; 2012-present, Pastor, Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, Sykesville, PA and Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Church, DuBois, PA. Father Robert is survived by his mother, Doris of Altoona, PA; a sister, Melanie and husband, Dr. David Lee, Altoona, PA; a sister, Anne and husband, Kenneth Macklin, Altoona, PA; a niece, Olivia Walton; and nephew, Sean Walton, Altoona, PA; and his Franciscan Brothers. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, 104 Shaffer St., Sykesville, PA at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2013. Friends will be received at the Chapel of St. Francis Friary at Mt. Assisi, Loretto, PA on Friday, November 22, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and the Vigil Service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Saturday, November 23, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Friary Chapel at Mt. Assisi with the Very Rev. Richard L. Davis, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, as principal celebrant. Following the Mass, interment will take place in the Franciscan Friars' Cemetery, on the campus of St. Francis University, Loretto, PA. Memorial contribution may be made to support retired T.O.R. Friars, c/o T.O.R. Friars Retirement Fund, St. Francis Friary, and P.O. Box 137, Loretto, PA, 15940. Arrangements by GIBBONS FUNERAL HOME, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin, PA 16641.
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