Richard A Yankowsky
January 30, 1933 ~ January 8, 2018
Resided in:
Portland, ME
Portland - Richard (Richie) A. Yankowsky, 84, died on Monday, January 8, 2018.
Richie, the second son of three sons born to Edward (Mudman) and Florence (Snopsie) Yankowsky, entered the world on January 30, 1933, a day in history marking the increased build-up of World War II and the appointment of Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany during the Great Depression.
Richie, his older brother Eddie and his younger brother Bobby, grew up on the West End of Portland. Life was not easy in those days for a young boy living through the Depression and at 8 years of age, the bombing of Pearl Harbor. His neighborhood was predominately composed of Irish and Polish families located near the railroad and the docks. His father worked Long Shore and his mother took a variety of jobs to help sustain their family. There was a strong bond between families and neighbors as they were all facing the same trials, tribulations and challenges of the day. They looked after each other's families and their Roman Catholic faith was very important to them.
Richie graduated from Portland's Butler School in 1946 and Portland High School in 1951 where he was a member of the respective swim teams earning awards and accolades for his athletic ability. He joined the United States Army in 1952. After serving his country, he joined the Merchant Marines which gave him the opportunity to visit many foreign countries. He would later meet and marry the love of his life, Mary Hartford Martin.
Richie worked as a painter for several local painting contractors and occasionally contracted for himself independently. He had a keen and curious mind and loved inventing and creating small household furniture, benches, chess and checker boards. Woodworking was his hobby and he loved to give custom designed gifts to friends and family. Richie was a quiet man but possessed a great sense of humor, witty and wry. He was a wonderful and caring son to Snopsie, a loving and devoted husband to Mary, and a thoughtful step father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by all.
Richie remained a regular communicant of St. Louis Polish Church in Portland until he moved to Deering Pavilion a few years ago.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Hartford Yankowsky; step son, William (Billy) Martin; along with his father, mother, and both his brothers. He is survived by his step daughter, Diane Martin Miller; grandsons, Matthew Miller, Jonathan Miller, and Gregory Martin.
Richie's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staffs of the VNA, Deering Pavilion, Seaside Nursing and Rehabilitation and the South Portland Nursing Home for the compassionate and loving care they gave to Richie.
Visiting Hours celebrating Richie's life will be held from 10:00AM-11:00AM on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. A funeral service will follow at 11:00AM in the chapel. Burial with Military Honors to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richie's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Portland Maine Division, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312
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I just learned of this today. So sorry to hear of Richie’s passing.
He spent a lot of time with my father Hank.
He will be truly missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to all the family
Janet Yankowsky
– Janet Yankowsky