Matthew Yanosich, Sr., 95, of Center Township, passed away peacefully on April 6th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver, surrounded by the family who adored him. He was born in Rochester on February 21st, 1931, a beloved son of the late Matthew and Barbara Yanosich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carol and his sister-in-law, Fran Yanosich. He is survived by his sons, Matthew (Maureen) Yanosich Jr. of Bedford, New Hampshire, and John (Lori) Yanosich of Mentor, Ohio, his brother, Nicholas Yanosich of Beaver, his grandchildren, Eric (Kate Tannura) Yanosich and Grace Yanosich and his nieces, Debra Yanosich, Stephen and Rosanne (Darryl) Thornton.
Matthew was a proud 1950 graduate of Midland High School who excelled in multiple sports and carried that same determination into his years at Penn State University, where he lettered in football as a running back during the 1951-52 season. His time at Penn State was cut short when he was drafted into the United States Army a call to service he answered with pride and humility. After returning home, he built a long and dedicated career as a lab technician at the former Arco Chemical Plant, where he worked for 38 years. He was a devout Catholic who lived his faith quietly but deeply, leading the Rosary at St. Barnabas – Beaver Meadows and finding joy in community, fellowship, and service. He was also honored as a member of the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame. During his seven years at St. Barnabas, he became a cherished presence-known for his positivity, his kindness, and the way he made everyone feel seen. He embraced life there fully: contributed to resident meetings, enjoying musical performances, participating in bingo (always chasing that coverall), and taking treasured trips to Bruster’s for ice cream. He never missed his six daily walks – except, of course, on Sundays during football season. Even in his final days at Heritage Valley Hospital, the staff said, “he was special” and “a lovely gentleman”, a reflection of the warmth he carried with him every day. Family was the heart of his world. He delighted in annual birthday dinners at PF Chang’s, complete with salmon, sparklers, and ice cream. No treat brought him more joy than Penn State Creamery vanilla ice cream, a simple pleasure that never lost its magic. He created a lifetime of memories with those he loved: vacations to Myrtle Beach, milestone anniversaries celebrated in Hawaii and Scotland, stories from his days at the brickyard, and Christmas gatherings filled with laughter. His greatest joy, without question, was his grandchildren. He encouraged them endlessly with his signature reminder: “Do Your Best!” His nightly 8 p.m. calls, his cheerful spirit, and his gentle wisdom will be deeply missed.
Friends will be received on Thursday, April 9th, from 4-7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Friday, April 10th, at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com. Entombment will follow at Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum, Buffalo Street, Beaver, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Carol.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Matt’s name to St. Barnabas – Beaver Meadows, 5130 Tuscarawas Road, Beaver, PA 15009.
Matthew’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of St. Barnabas – Beaver Meadows and Heritage Valley Beaver for the compassionate, loving care they provided throughout his stay.
