Obituary of Stanley A. Yopek

Stanley A. Yopek passed away at his home after an extended illness, Friday morning, June 17.2022, with his wife, Joyce, at his side. He was born July 7, 1931 in Wilcox, Pennsylvania to John Yopek and Jennie Gorlowski Yopek. He grew up in Elk County Pennsylvania and worked on the family farm before moving to Ridgway, Pennsylvania with his family. He graduated from Ridgway High School in 1949. He was quite active playing solo and group accordion throughout north central Pennsylvania in his teenage years. Seeking opportunity, he moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, became active musically and was employed at Sears Roebuck, later at Inland Container, Erie Foundry, and Riley Stoker. Subsequently he entered the real estate business, then the barber profession from where he retired after 23 years. During this time, he was also a music teacher at Ronzitti Music, Markham Music, Tune Toppers Studio, and performed live on WICU TV for 2 years, also, the Italian Hour WLKK twice monthly. He loved music, sports, dancing, history and observing politics. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Edward, sisters and brothers-in-law Sophie (Remo) Ferrari of Ridgway and Ceil (Edward) Bianco of Lakewood, Ohio. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joyce Jackson Yopek, daughters Christine Minor, Pittsburgh, PA, Barbara Breeden, FL, Patricia Yopek, Erie, PA, Marcia (John) Staudt of Erie, PA, sister Jane (Jim) of Cary, NC. He is also survived by four grandchildren Kimberly, Richmond, VA, Colleen, Josephine, and Michael Staudt all of Erie, PA. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Lakeland Hospice Services, and especially Tanya, for the excellent care of Stanley during his illness. Visiting hours will be held from 1 – 3 PM on Thursday, June 23, 2022, followed by a prayer service led by Pastor Lou LaPlaca, music by Val LaPlaca, at Dusckas Martin Funeral Home, 4216 Sterrettania Road, Erie, PA 16506. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Anna Shelter, or Because You Care.