Nick "Yabo" Zatezalo

Nick “Yabo” Zatezalo, of Weirton, died Saturday, November 7, 2020. He was 91 years old. Nick was born on November 24, 1928, in Weirton, WV, the youngest of five children born to Eli and Jenny Merrick Zatezalo. Nick grew up in Weirton WV and graduated from Weir High School. After high school, he started his career at Weirton Steel. In 1951 he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country for two years in Germany during the Korean War. After returning from the service, Nick continued his employment with Weirton Steel. He retired after 37 years as an inspector in the Tin Mill. Yabo, as he was known to his Serbian friends, was a lifelong member of the Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church in Steubenville, where his beautiful tenor voice was part of the Petar Krstich Choir for many years as they sang in the church and at countless Serbian festivals and concerts across the United States. Yabo also served as president of the Serbian Men’s Club for many years, where his love was the Serbian Picnic Grounds. On any given day, Yabo could be found at the Serbian Picnic Grounds riding the tractor cutting grass or barbecuing chickens on Wednesdays. He was instrumental in starting the Chicken Blasts in 1972, a tradition that carries on today. Most of all, Yabo will be remembered for his larger than life personality. He never met a stranger. He was loved by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, Nick was preceded in death by his son. Nick Zatezalo, on November 5, 1995; his brothers, William Samuel and George Zatezalo; and his sister, Marcella Begovic. He is survived by his wife, Bessie Pievach Zatezalo, whom he married on June 26, 1954; his son, Donald Zatezalo, his two grandchildren, Dr. Lindsay (Mike) Kalata and Julia (Ian) Porter; daughter in law, Becky Zatezalo and his great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Max Kalata. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Greco- Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV Additional visitation will be Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11:00 AM at the Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church in Steubenville. Interment will be in the Serbian Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com 304 748 3219