George Yebernetsky, 93, of Madera, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at the DuBois Nursing Home.
Born Feb. 28, 1921, he was the son of the late Wasco Sr. and Annie (Peslipsky) Yebernetsky.
He was a 1938 graduate of Madera High School where he pitched and batted the high school baseball team to a Bucktail Baseball League pennant. He had a batting average of .571.
He also played for the Madera Pioneers, pitching them to a championship in the Mountain League. A pitcher and infielder, he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1947. He was assigned to York and Tallahassee until an injury.
He received a watch from his fans for 11 straight wins with their appreciation, which he always prized. He also played baseball for Juniata College for one season.
He was a World War II Army veteran. He trained many soldiers before being shipped to the European Theatre as a medic in Belgium at the Battle of the Bulge.
He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theatre Service Medal, the European Theatre Service Medal, the Bronze Star and the Victory Medal. He was a rifle expert.
He worked as a coal miner and on a mink ranch for his brother.
He played the guitar and violin, and he was in a band with his brothers and friends for many years.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening and a good cup of coffee. He always had a positive attitude and a quick wit.
He was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ramey and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Madera and Coalport.
He is survived by his sister, Kathryn Youhon of Brisbin; his brother, John Yebernetsky and his wife, Helen of DuBois; a sister-in-law, Delores Yebernetsky of Flinton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Annie Daniels, Michael Yebernetsky, Wasco “Lefty” Yebernetsky Jr., Mary Fetchu, Nancy Wasilko, Eva Checkaneck, Harry Yebernetsky and Margaret Kitko.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Kruise-Spewock Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., Ramey.
A Parastas services will be sung at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Fr. Anthony Balistreri.
A Panikhida Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ramey, with Fr. Anthony Balistreri officiating.
Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Ramey.
Condolences may be sent to: condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com.