Joseph J. Yankay, 64, a resident of Luzerne, entered into eternal life on Tuesday evening, March 08, 2016, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born on October 31, 1951, in Kingston, Joseph was the son of Eleanor (Selensky) Mandycz, Luzerne, and Thomas J. Yankay, New Port Richey, Florida.

A United States Army Veteran, Joe honorably served his country for three years during the Vietnam Era.

Joe was employed for many years as an East Coast Salesman for Eroh Dynamics, based out of Palm Coast, Florida. Additionally, Joe worked as a bartender for many local establishments, most notably the American Legion, Post 558, Plains Township, and the American Legion, Post 644, Swoyersville.

Joe was a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville.

An exceptional Pool player, Joe was in a traveling Pool League for some time with Franchella’s Restaurant and Pub, Plymouth. He was also a sports enthusiast and great fan of the New York Giants.

Above all, Joe’s greatest love was for his family, most especially for his grandchildren who were the light of his life. His presence will be greatly missed by many.

Joe was preceded in death by his loving step-father, Anthony Mandycz Jr.; his maternal grandparents, Andrew and Victoria Selensky; and his uncles, Master Sergeant Richard Selensky, U.S. Army, Ret., and Andrew Selensky Jr.

In addition to his parents, Eleanor Mandycz and Thomas Yankay, Joe is survived by his beloved daughter, Samantha Yankay; his adoring grandchildren, Crista, Alianna, and Tristan; his fiancé, Lisa Lee and her daughter, Jessica (Ryan) Lynn, and granddaughter, Mercedes; his brother, Thomas Yankay; his niece, Tracey Gorham; his nephew, Thomas Yankay; three great-nephews and one great-niece; his aunts, Mrs. Robert (Gerry) Rish, and Mrs. Robert (Anna Mae) Colondo; as well as his cousins and friends.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend Joe’s viewing which will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

A Blessing Service followed by the Rite of Committal will be celebrated on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at 11:30 AM in the Chapel of Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Brook Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, officiating.

At the conclusion of the Blessing Service, Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army, followed by interment in his family plot.

For additional information or to send Joe’s Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

The Family has requested the flowers be omitted. Memorial Donations will be accepted at the funeral home.