Manuel F. Yocolano – Monongahela

Manuel F. Yocolano, 84, of Monongahela, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born Nov. 25, 1934, in Do-nora, a son of John and Jen-ny Puia Yocolano. Manuel graduated from Donora High School and went on to serve honorably as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. In December of 1956, he married the love of his life, Eunice D. Affinito, of Mo-nongahela and would have celebrated 63 truly dedicated, loving and wonderful years together this year. Manuel retired as a general foreman with U.S. Steel Clairton Works in 1986, and then went on to run a successful electrical contracting business until his full retirement in 2005. Manuel belonged to and was an active member of many veterans organiza-tions in Southwestern Penn-sylvania, including the Marine Corps League of Wash-ington, the Carroll Legion James C. Ford Post 949 of Dunkirk, the Sutman Yohe VFW Post 1409 of Black Diamond, Amvets George C. Marshall Post 103 of Hopwood and the 40&8 Voiture 676 of Washington County. He took great pride in starting the Mon-Valley Leathernecks in 1986, which he saw as a way to honor present and former United States Marines in the area. Manuel was instrumental in making it a mission of the Leathernecks to provide an honor guard at all Marine funerals and to bring the Marine Corps Toys for Tots pro-gram that provided toys to the Mon Valley children during Christmas. Manuel served as the first commandant of the Leathernecks, a tenure which lasted over 10 years before he stepped down. Manuel was known to be a selfless, kind and giving individual always stepping up to help when needed, and although he was a very powerful man, he believed that a man’s strength lay within his heart, not his hands. Manuel is survived by his loving wife, Eunice; six children, John Daniel (Donna), Andreanna, Manuel Jr. (Diane), James (Michele), Deana and Dominique; 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Rosemarie (Richard) Gonzalas, Sarah (Dave) Natali and Frani Amatangelo; brother, Eugene (Kathy) Yocolano; and sister-in-law, Grace Yocolano. In addition to his parents, Manuel was preceded in death by his brother, John Yocolano. Manuel was a wonderful son and brother, a true friend, a devoted loving husband and a great father. Our days will never be as bright. “When it’s too tough for everyone else, it’s just right for me!” — Manuel F. Yocolano. The family suggests contributions in Manuel’s memory be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Re-search Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC. is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com