Ronald W. Yardas Sr.

Formerly from Bessemer, Pennsylvania and Canfield, Ohio - Ronald W. Yardas (Gizzy), beloved husband, dad and grandpa, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026 at his home.

Ron was born on December 6, 1941 at home in Bessemer, the son of the late William James and Mildred (Bekoski) Yardas.

He was a member of the first graduating class from Mohawk High School playing both football (Captain) and basketball. After graduating in 1959, he joined the US Navy, where he served as an Engineman on the USS Turner. He was honorably discharged in the fall of 1961. He married Donna Mae Snyder on December 28, 1963.

After discharge from the US Navy, he worked odd jobs until he began a 43-year career as a welder specializing in railroad track repair. He traveled the United States working in 46 of the 48 contiguous states. In his youth, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. As a husband and father, he coached baseball, bowled in several leagues and along with Donna, helped start the local Wings of Shasta Camping Club. In retirement, he enjoyed fishing, golfing and traveling to watch his grandkids’ high school and college sporting events.

He was a member of the Mahoning Sportsman’s Association, Johnson Club and the Bessemer Croatian Club where he, his dad and grandfather built the original bocce courts.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, in 2025 and his brother Douglas A. (the late Joan) in 2001. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Patty; his two grandchildren, Jennifer and Ron; his brother, Bruce R. (Rosemarie); two nephews (Bill and Jeremy) and two nieces (Nicole and Krista).

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Terry Cunningham Funeral Home, 203 Oak St., Bessemer. A funeral service will be held on May 30, 2026 at 4:00 pm at the funeral Home. Burial will take place at Bessemer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the American Cancer Society. They are also extremely grateful and thankful for the caring support of Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley by Compassus and Cornerstone Caregiving of Youngstown.

Arrangements are entrusted to Terry Cunningham Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at keystonefuneralservices.com.

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