John Albert Yilek, 89, of Germania, PA, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at UPMC Wellsboro. Born June 25, 1935, in Blossburg, PA, he was a son of the late Albert and Julia (Karhan) Yilek. He was Veteran having served in the United States Army 8th infantry division Baumhalder in West Germany from1958-1960.

On May 2, 1964 in Germania, he married the former Ruth “Toni” Succowich who survives. John was a heavy equipment operator for PENN DOT before retirement. In his earlier work years, he truly enjoyed his passion of logging for Ted Sykora. He continued his logging passion and equipment operating working with his son, John, well into his mid-80s.

He was a member of Saint Germain’s Catholic Church, former Assistant Chief of Germania Fire Company, and former Supervisor of Abbott Township.

Hunting with family members, fishing, gardening, camping, and snowmobiling kept him active in the outdoors, and as many of you know, he cut wood year-round. Potato farming with Jim Gilbert brought back family memories for John. He also made daily trips to make sure all of his “grand dogs” had what they needed.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 60 years, Ruth “Toni” Yilek, are two sons, John W. (Janice Wilcox) Yilek, Germania and Joseph A. Yilek, Germania; a daughter, Theresa Yilek, Germania; a grandson, Colby (Brandy) Swartz, Germania; two great grandchildren, Paisley and Grayson Swartz; two sisters, Marge (Kenneth) Wallace, Sabinsville, PA “brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Penny Succowich, Germania” and Ruth Williams, Westfield, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother, William Yilek, and a sister, Helen Yilek.

Services will be held at the family’s convenience. Memorial contributions may be made to the Germania Fire Company, Teacher’s Pet Rescue or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Collins Chapel, Galeton, PA.