Paul F. "Yaki" Yacobowsky

Paul F. “Yaki” Yacobowsky, 91 years of age, Tuscarora’s go-to handyman, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Twp.

Born in Schuylkill County on Friday, June 28, 1935, he was the son of the late Frank and Anna (Lischalk) Yacobowsky. Paul was also predeceased by his son, Paul Gerard Yacobowsky; sisters, Frances Schwartz, Mary Ondeck, and Catherine Berdzak; and brothers, John, Joseph, and Edward Yacobowsky.

Survived by his wife of 64 years, Theresa (Kotch) Yacobowsky; daughter-in-law, Tammy Yacobowsky; grandchildren, Grace and Hope Yacobowsky; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Kotch. Many nieces and his nephew also survive Yaki.

A graduate of the former Blythe Township High School, Paul served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he worked at General Electric before joining J. F. Kotch Construction, a family business founded by his brother-in-law, which grew to become a leading commercial and residential home builder in the Lehigh Valley.

After retiring to Tuscarora, Yaki earned his reputation as the town’s ultimate “go-to” handyman. Known for his talent with home repairs and quick fixes, he never hesitated to lend a helpful hand to family, friends, and neighbors alike. An avid outdoorsman, Yaki enjoyed hunting deer and turkey throughout Schuylkill County and took great pride in helping stock many of the area’s waterways and ponds with fish. He was a member of the American Legion in Middleport, PA, as well as the local Rod and Gun Club. A perfect Sunday for Yaki always included listening to “Polka Joe” on WMGH 105.5 FM, with a Dallas Cowboys game playing on the television screen. He was incredibly grateful to his son and nephew for giving him the unforgettable opportunity to see his beloved Cowboys play in person at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. Paul was a faithful member of St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church of Tamaqua.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at St. John XXIII R.C.C., 309 Pine Street, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.

Interment with Military Honors bestowed in St. Bertha’s R.C.C., Tuscarora, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 309 Pine Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com