Pocono mourns loss of Ryan Yanoshak

Ryan Yanoshak

“We are deeply saddened about the passing of Ryan Yanoshak. He made an immediate impact on our Raceway family when he joined our staff in October 2015. His character, sense of humor and professionalism were a true inspiration to all of us. Although Ryan’s time working here was short, he brought so much joy and happiness to our offices and staff. We, along with Ryan’s family and friends, appreciate all the kind words we have received from everyone over the last several days. Rest in peace, Ryan. We will miss you." Pocono Raceway Statement

Mr. Ryan Yanoshak, 42, a resident of Mount Pocono, formerly of Hanover Twp., passed into eternal life Friday morning, Dec. 8, 2017, in the care of the Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest location, following a prolonged and courageous battle against cancer.

Born Feb. 18, 1975 in Wilkes-Barre, he was the middle of three sons to the late Randolph S. "Randy" and Constance A. "Connie" (Soltis) Yanoshak.

Educated in the Hanover Area schools, he was a member of the 1993 graduating class of the Hanover Area Jr./Sr. High School. Ryan furthered his education by attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003 from Bloomsburg University, and later his Master Degree of Science in 2005 from East Stroudsburg University.

Until illness caused his early retirement from professional duties, Ryan had been employed as the managing director of marketing communications with the Pocono International Raceway in Long Pond for two years. Prior to that, he was assistant athletic director and special assistant to the executive athletic director at the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Before going to West Point, he spent three years as a graduate assistant and sports information director at East Stroudsburg University. Previously, he was employed by The Citizens' Voice newspaper, Wilkes-Barre, as a sports writer.

He and his family held membership in St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Main Street, Hanover Twp.

Ryan was preceded in death also untimely by his father, Randolph S. "Randy" Yanoshak on March 6, 2009, and by his mother, Constance A. "Connie" (Soltis) Yanoshak on April 8, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Shirley (Bruso) Yanoshak and by his maternal grandparents, John Soltis in 2002 and most recently by Eleanor (Dymond) Soltis-Sofranko on Aug. 17 of this year.

Left to mourn his passing are his brothers, Randy Stephen Yanoshak Jr. and his wife, Maria of Wrentham, Mass.; and Corey Yanoshak and his wife, Amy of Dover, Del.; nieces and nephews, Annika, Cole, Ava and Lincoln Yanoshak; his companion of seven years, Brenda Beretta of Marlboro, N.J.; paternal aunts and uncle, Sharyn Yanoshak of Las Vegas, Nev.; Gayle Miles and Jill Gagliardi, both of Hanover Twp., John Yanoshak of Media; maternal uncles, John and Mary Beth Soltis of Drums and Andrew Soltis and his wife, Brenda, of Limerick; several cousins, co-workers and dear friends.

Funeral services for Ryan will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 1000 S. Main St., Hanover Twp. The Rev. Dr. David E. Bernard, interim pastor, will serve as celebrant.

Interment with the rites of committal will immediately follow next to his parents in Oaklawn Cemetery, 1250 S. Main St., Hanover Twp.

Relatives and friends are invited to join Ryan's brothers and family for visitation and remembrances from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Wilkes-Barre Heights location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 281 E. Northampton St., and Monday directly at church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services.

In lieu of floral tributes, Ryan's family would be humbled if those contemplating a memorial contribution in his memory, kindly consider his church, Saint Peter's Lutheran Church, 1000 S. Main St., Hanover Twp.

To send Ryan's brothers and family online words of comfort, a shared remembrance during this holiday season or for daily grief support messages, please visit Ryan's memorial page on our family's website at www.johnvmorrisfuneralhome.com.