08/25/2025
Gabriella P. (Klocek) Yackanicz, 94, passed away peacefully at Country Meadows Bethlehem, PA Nursing Center on Aug 25, 2025. She was the wife of Nicholas J Yackanicz for 64 years before his passing in 2017.
Gabriella was born in Hazleton, Pa., daughter of John and Victoria (Kurcz) Klocek. Gabriella graduated from Hazleton High School in 1948 and was employed as a secretary. Gabriella was a stay-home housewife raising seven children with her husband Nick in Whitehall, PA. She later worked part-time in retail at Zollinger’s and Leh’s department stores at the Whitehall Mall. She was a member of the former St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church, Allentown, PA and later St. John The Baptist Church, Allentown PA.
Gabriella loved music, playing piano and organ. She enjoyed bowling in several leagues, baking cakes, singing in the church choir, and attending all her children’s musical and athletic events. As “Grandma Yaz” she especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cooking and baking with them, playing cards, and attending their musical and theater shows, sporting events, special parties and weddings.
Surviving: Susan (Paul) Stafura of West Mifflin, Mary (Kaj) Karch of Easton, Nicholas (Lori) Yackanicz of Upper Milford, James (Sandra) Yackanicz of Bethlehem, Joseph (Jennifer) Yackanicz of Ambler, Michael (Lisa) Yackanicz of Saylorsburg, and John (Linda) Yackanicz of Perkiomen Township, 22 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, siblings Phillip Klocek and Albina Maddon.
Gabriella was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband, eight brothers and sisters, and granddaughter LeAnn.
A viewing will be held on Friday, August 29th 6-8PM in Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Another viewing will be held in church Saturday, August 30th 9-10AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10AM all in St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church 924 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Burial to follow in St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Whitehall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church or to a charity of one’s choice.