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Edward B. "Bernie" Yetsko Jr., 90, of Altoona, passed away Wednesday at his residence. He was born in Altoona, the son of the late Edward B. Sr. and Mary (McKinney) Yetsko.
Bernie married Rita Marie Besendorfer on May 12, 1956.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years; his three daughters: Sue Franco (John), Mary Jo Eamigh (Ron) and Teresa Yetsko, all of Altoona; and his son, Steve Yetsko (Lori) of Julian; a special niece, Toots Rhoa; eight grandchildren: Kristin Franco, Johnny Franco (Miranda), Sarah Dean (TK), Steve Franco (Kaitlyn), Kim Meloy (Greg), Ben Yetsko, Emily Winters (Matt) and Max Yetsko; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Bernie was preceded in death by his three siblings: Winifred Drexler, Barbara Duffy and Alan Yetsko.
He was a 1953 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School and went on to complete an electrical apprenticeship from the PRR. Bernie retired from Bell Telephone in marketing and engineering, with over 30 years of service.
Bernie served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Bernie was a more than 50-year member of both the Brush Mountain Sportsman's Association and the Unter Uns.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting and attending the sporting events of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bernie was mechanically inclined and in his spare time enjoyed working on and fixing things. Most of all, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life.
Friends will be received from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1405 Fifth Ave., Altoona. Committal will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Altoona.
The family suggests that contributions be made in Bernie's memory to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1405 Fifth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Pinnacle Hospice for the wonderful care that Bernie received.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.