Walter Paul Yackel

Walter Paul Yackel, 71, of Pottsville, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 30th at Penn Hospital in Philadelphia, while holding hands with his beloved family.  Born in Ashland on July 29th, 1951, he was the son of the late Walter & Ann Yackel of Shenandoah.   Walter (or Paul as he was known to his family) was a Navy veteran, air traffic controller, skilled carpet installer and most recently he worked at SCI Mahanoy from which he retired as a captain.  In his spare time, he was an avid Philadelphia Flyers and Eagles fan, and he played the role of handyman for the entire family.  He was especially proud of the man-cave that he built in the basement of his home.

 Above all else, he loved his close-knit family.  He was preceded in death by his wife in 2021, LaVerne Yackel, to whom he was happily married to for 21 years.  He is survived by 3 loving sisters: Sharon Starr (Tony)-Mohrsville; Susan Yackel-Somers Point NJ, & Gayle Rehnert (John)-Pottsville.  Additionally, he is survived by his 5 beloved children:  Sean Yackel (Patrice)-Maple Shade NJ; Jennifer Boody (Dan)-Marlton NJ; Heather Davis (Tim)-Marlton NJ; Paul Kanigoski (Denise)-Lake Wynonah & Leah Donovan (Jim)-Pottsville.  He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Ciera, Addison & Kayson Yackel; Mackenzie & Griffin Boody; Tyler, Paige & Ashley Davis; Corey (Liz) and their daughter Elena (great granddaughter), Jordann Seasock & Elizabeth Donovan.  Also, by many beloved nieces & nephews – he had a particularly close, special relationship with his nieces Lindsay (Andrew) of Conshohocken & Lauren of Philadelphia.  

 A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. John the Baptist Church, 913 Mahantongo Street Pottsville, at 10 am on Wednesday Jan 4th, celebrated by Father Kevin Bobbin.  Visitation for family & friends will be held at St John's beginning at 9am.  Interment will immediately follow in St. Casimir's Cemetery, Shenandoah.

 In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Walter’s name to The American Legion in Schuylkill Haven or the Hillside SPCA in Schuylkill County.

Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, Shenandoah are handling the arrangements.

 To offer condolences, please visit: www.oravitzhomeforfunerals.com

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