Louis Yakunich, Sr.

Louis Yakunich, 83, of Weirton died Wednesday December 11, 2013, at the Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Born on August 25, 1930, Lou was a son of the late Luka and Anna Capon Porec Yakunich. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Ballato Yakunich on December 1, 2006; his brothers, Frank and Jock Porec; his sisters, Katie (Porec) Matask, Mildred (Yakunich) Danford, and Mary Ann (Yakunich) Bolam. Lou graduated from Weir High School and was an All American Basketball player where he played college ball with West Virginia Tech and Semi Pro Basketball. He played against the Harlem Globetrotters, and was also known as the father of the "Jump Shot" since he was the first guy to ever shoot and make a jump shot in the Tri State Area. After his basketball career, Lou worked for Weirton Steel for 30 years, as a guard in the plant security. He and his wife Nancy had three children, Louis, Paul and Rose Ann. In his retirement years, Lou enjoyed golfing at Pleasant Valley Country Club or golfing area courses with the Serbs and the Over the Hill Gang. Over a year after the passing of Nancy, Lou met Frances Eafrati while attending Mass at Saint Paul's. The two of them had a lot in common after the passing of their respective spouses, and they eventually married on May 19, 2012, He and Tush cherished every moment they had together. Lou was a member of Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3734; and the BPOE 1801 and the Savage, A.C. He is survived by his wife, Frances Amendola Eafrati Yakunich; his children, Louis and Debbie Yakunich of Weirton; Paul and Holly Yakunich of Sandy, UT; and Rose Ann and Dennis Beagle of Weirton; Frances's children, Jodi and Phina Eafrati, Gary Eafrati, and Dan and Monica Eafrati all of Brigantine, NJ; his brother, John Porec of Blacksburg, VA; sister, Margaret Yakunich Robinson of Colliers, WV; eight grandchildren, Jennie (Mira), Luke, Heather, Christina, Amanda, Ryan, Chelsea, Sayde, Landon, Jadin and Nico and five great grandsons. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Friday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Saturday at Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weirton. Rev. Fr. Larry Dorsch will preside. Interment will follow at Saint Paul Cemetery. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com