Dr. Robert Yannaccone

Dr. Robert Yannaccone, 91, of 611 Main St., Watsontown, died Thursday, May 1, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born April 17, 1923 in Minersville, a son of the late Alexander and Teena (DeMaria) Yannaccone. On July 17, 1948 he married Dorothy, who survives. Together they celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Bob graduated from Minersville high school in 1940, Lebanon Valley College in 1943 and Jefferson Medical College in 1947.  He began his medical career at Maybury Santorium, Michigan.  He then served two years as a medical officer of aviation medicine in the United States Air Force at Chanute AFB, Rantoul, IL.  In 1960, he was designated by the Federal Aviation Administration as an aviation medical examiner.  Bob later had his own medical practice in Watsontown from 1952 to 1992.  After retirement from private practice, he served as a physician at clinics in Laporte and Emporium that were run by the state Department of Health.  Bob also served two summers on the medical staff of the health clinic at the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in Eagle Butte, SD.

Other medical achievements include being a member of the first medical staff of the Evangelical Community Hospital, a member of the Union County Medical Society and being affiliated with Devitt's Camp and later White Deer Run treatment center, Allenwood.

When not working in his medical career, Bob was a lifelong musician and was a euphonium player in both the Williamsport Imperial Teteque Band (Consistory) and the community band in Watsontown.  He played numerous concerts with the Windjammers Unlimited, which is a musical society dedicated to preserving traditional circus music.

Bob was a licensed private pilot for 55 years and logged over 4000 hours of accident-free flying time.  He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association and a life member of the Quiet Birdmen, a social organization for pilots.

He served on the Watsontown and Warrior Run school board, the Watsontown borough council as a member and president, the Watsontown borough planning commission, the White Deer Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society as a member and past national representative, and was president of the board of directors of the West Shore Railroad.

Bob was a life member of the Clyde F. Mower American Legion Post 323, Watsontown, the Watsontown Lions Club, the Elks Lodge 913, Milton and the Warrior Run Area Fire Department

Surviving in addition to his wife are five sons and three daughters-in-law, Rob Yannaccone, of Houston, TX, Jim and Rozalyn Yannaccone, of Turbotville, Tom and Kay Yannaccone, of Watsontown, Phil Yannaccone, of Tulsa, OK, and John and Cher Yannaccone, of Raleigh, NC; two brothers, Bill Yannaccone, of Cheyenne, WY, and Frank Yannaccone, of Ogden UT; one sister, Elizabeth Salmeri, of Cheyenne, WY; and six grandchildren, Alexander, Drew, Adria, Kara and Brian Yannaccone, and Larissa Bruck.

A private graveside service was held in Watsontown Cemetery.

If so desired, memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to either the Watsontown Lion’s Club, Children Eyeglass Fund, c/o Robert Funk, 4115 Susquehanna Trail, Watsontown, PA 17777 or to a charity of one’s choice.

The family is being assisted by Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, 308 Main St., Watsontown.