Richard Paul Yonchak

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Richard “Rich” Paul Yonchak, of Brookfield, Ohio, announce that he passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, while a patient at UPMC – Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following an extended illness. He was 79.

Richard was born on August 1, 1946, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, 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 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 Packard Electric Warren Plant. He dedicated over 31 years of service to the company before retiring. In addition, he may be remembered 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, Ohio, 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 also a member of the Sharon Steel Golf League; 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), both of Brookfield; former exchange student and bonus daughter, Adriana Mingotti-Paiva (Ricardo), and their children, Manuela & Francisco; grandchildren, Joshua (McKenna), Elena (Zach), Isabella, Ciara (Nikhil), & Gianna; sisters, Paula Pinch (Edward), of Surprise, Arizona, Marcia Karg (Dick), of Nashville, Tennessee, and Donna Davis (Michael), of Sanford, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents preceded him in death.

A time of gathering to honor Rich will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 4-7 PM, in the home of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, located at 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 4453 Warren-Sharon Rd., Vienna, Ohio 44473, where military honors will be rendered by the West Middlesex & Wheatland Honor Guard. He will be laid to rest at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Hermitage, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Youngstown Blue Coats for Veterans & Homeless Individuals, 2654 North Main Street, Hubbard, Ohio 44425 or visit: www.ytownbluecoats.org

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