Alvin Yahner

Alvin Yahner passed away on Sunday August 1 2010 at the Hospice Care Center surrounded by his loving family. Al will always be remembered as a man who knew how to make everyone feel important even if he had just met them. His firm and sincere handshake alone let you know he really was glad to meet you. No one was a stranger to Al. A man of faith he was a loving and loyal husband father and grandfather who demanded (and gave) much of himself to those around him. He always led by example and was a role model and most importantly a friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him. Al was born in Hastings PA on April 24 1928. A lifelong Akron area resident he graduated from North High School in 1946. A 3-sport athlete Al captained the Viking basketball team and was known as one of the outstanding high school players of his era. He developed a love of sports (especially golf and baseball) that remained with him throughout his life. To his grandchildren 'Papa' or 'Pops' (as they called him when they got older) Al represented the epitome of strength love and compassion. He was the one they could always turn to and count on when things got tough - he never let them down. In their eyes he was always gentle kind and giving. Preceded in death by his parents Albert and Irene Yahner; son Thomas; and brothers Bill Frank and Jim Al is survived by his wife Frances (of 60 years); daughters Julie (Caryn Thornburg) Panis of Tracy CA Jean (Carl) Rakich of Medina Mary (Joe) Hassing of Littleton CO Ann (James) Anderson of Mentor and Catherine (David) Murdock of Akron. In addition he leaves loving grandchildren: Paul Brian and Mary Cait Hassing Krista Rakich Jonathan Christoper and Meghan Anderson Melinda (Pat) Filoia and Josh Sonnhalter; sister-in-law Pat Yahner; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. John Kromalic the staff at Akron General Medical Center and the Hospice Care Center in Akron for the many extra acts of kindness concern patience care and love shown to Al during his illness. You will always be remembered. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Al's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday August 10 2010 at St. Eugene's Catholic Church 1821 Munroe Falls Ave Cuyahoga Falls OH 44221. To honor Al's memory donations may be made to the Hospice of VNS 3358 Ridgewood Rd Akron OH 44333 and/or the National MS Society Colorado Chapter 900 S. Broadway Suite 250 Denver CO 80209.