PLAINS TWP. — Robert Yakaski, 64, of the Hudson section of Plains Township, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, in the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.
Chester and Celia Kosieroski Yakaski welcomed their son, Robert, to the world on April 20, 1950. Robert was an only child, but had many cousins whom he enjoyed growing up with. He attended local schools in Plains Township and was a graduate of the Plains Memorial High School, class of 1968. Robert attended a trade school and was ready to start his professional employment after two years.
In 1960, Robert met Mr. Thomas S. Czekalski, owner of Northern Commercial Refrigeration Service, located in Hudson. Mr. Czekalski right away saw the brilliance in Robert and hired him. Over the years the two became great friends and later business partners.
As Robert worked, if he did not have a tool, he would invent one to make working easier. He was very good with electricity and the mechanics of how things worked. Robert's genius led to the U.S. Patent No. 5,319,940 for his designs in refrigeration systems in 1994.
In 1998, after 50 years of service to his company, Mr. Czekalski retired and passed his business on to his now dear partner and friend, Robert. In the past few years Robert helped to expand the business. He enjoyed the work, his clients and the employees who worked beside him. The business was his life.
Robert will be remembered for having a great sense of humor, for his big heart, his wild hair, for "having the genius behind the madness," as his employees stated, for having great parties at the Polish American Veterans, Hudson, and for being a great conversationalist.
He was a great man and friend and will be missed.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Celia; and his devoted partner and friend, Thomas Czekalski.
Surviving Robert are his aunts; uncles; cousins; and his devoted employees and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Monday from the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark St., Plains Township. A Mass with the Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. in Ss. Peter and Paul Church, 13 Hudson Road, Plains Township. Interment will be held in the parish cemetery, Plains Township. Friends and family may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert's name can be made to a charity of the donor's choosing. Condolences and directions can be accessed at www.yanaitisfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Leo and Kate
November 21, 2021
Oh Bob we miss you and not a week goes by we say your name the memories and laughs we shared are forever cherished deep in our hearts lv you forever your friends Leo and Kate
Bing Toporcer
December 15, 2014
Whole Refrig. Maint. Crew at Turkey Hill was Sorry to hear of a friends Passing. We got to share a lot of laughs, Jokes, & Zingers.
We respected Bob for his knowledge,and a willingness to share...
Ingrid Littler
December 3, 2014
I'm so sorry to have lost my Polish cousin Bobby. It gives me great comfort to know you will be reunited with your parents and my father Peter.
Ed Troy
December 2, 2014
Bob, you will be missed. I am honored to have known you and to call you my friend. RIP
Nyki Lucke
November 30, 2014
Bob ... I can't believe you're really gone. I'm going to miss pulling into Eddie's and seeing your car there, knowing that the second I walk in, no matter where you were sitting or who you were speaking to, you'd wind up sitting right next to me. You were one of the most hard working, intelligent men I've ever known. It was an honor to know you, and to call you my friend. I'm going to miss your wise cracks, your jokes, and your compliments. You were one of a kind. Rest in peace my dear friend. And thank you for that CD. I still have it. Love, Nyk.
TOM Nardone
November 29, 2014
Bob, you were a very good friend to many people. You had the gift of being able to brighten up a room with your presence. You were a very outgoing,compassionate and selfless man. Thank you for being a friend to my dad and my entire family. I smile from ear to ear when i recall the time when you were so excited to show me your new"singing machine".I am sure you are bringing your smile and laughter with you and you will be missed til we are together again... YOU WERE A ONE IN A MILLION BOB.. THE BEST
Leo F Wolfsberger
November 28, 2014
Bob was a good Friend for many Years. He always remembered a funny joke and made many People laugh. We knew him for a long time, he never had a harsh word. We talked with him on Monday evening, he was in excellent spirit, We laughed and he convinced me that he was doing good.I am grateful that we had the chance to tell him We loved him, and he replied and he was happy. I am sure We will meet again. LV Leo Kate and Teddy
kelly bell
November 28, 2014
Rest in peace Buddy. You will be sadly missed.
kelly bell
November 28, 2014
Bob I still can't wrap my head around the fact that u are gone. I just sat with u in the hospital on Friday. You have been such a great friend to me. All those times sitting at the counter at eddies place being goofy and laughing so hard. U have def. Left an everlasting impression in my heart. Rest in peace buddy. Until we meet again....
Rosemarie Jackowski
November 28, 2014
I am a distant 'cousin', formerly from Luzerne. Very sorry to see this. Peace and prayers for all.
Rosemarie Jackowski
Bennington, Vermont
sandra barancho
November 28, 2014
So sad to loose a Dear Friend he will always be in my heart and thoughts like many. He truly was a great man in so many ways and will be missed.
Christine Skorodensky
November 28, 2014
So sad to hear of Yaki's passing. He was truly a brilliant man with a heart of gold. You always knew after talking with him you would leave with a smile. Make God laugh up there !!!. Rest in Peace...
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