Leo "Finch" Francis Yeakel

Leo Francis Yeakel Jr., 86, of Chinchilla, peacefully passed of natural causes on Monday, Dec. 18, at Allied Services Rehab Hospital. His wife of over 60 years is the former Charlotte Alma Arndt.

On March 23, 1931, Leo, eternally known as "Finch," was born in Hacklebernie, to Leo Sr. and Beulah Peltz, hardworking parents whom Finch certainly took after. He attended Nesquehoning High School until 10th grade but chose an honorable career with Bethlehem Steel over graduating. From 1952 to 1954 however, his career was put on hold as he battled in the Korean War . His domestic services, coupled with a tour in Germany, earned him two service medals before returning to Steel Plant.

In 1957, he and Charlotte Alma Arndt were married in Walnutport and moved to Clarks Summit the following year. They gave birth to David Ray Yeakel in 1960 and three years later, bought an enchanting home on Burcher Avenue that Rusty still inhabits today. Son, David, daughter-in-law, Ellen Angela O'Neil, and their son, Samm, are still with us today.

Once here, Finch established both a respected automotive career and a fitting reputation as someone who could fix or build anything. Having worked for Chevrolet as the local dealership changed hands many times, he ultimately ended up as the service manager of Tom Hesser BMW/Chevrolet, a position which passion bound him to for three years beyond his retirement eligibility.

When his powerful hands, truly the size of oven mitts, weren't covered in oil from the dealership, they were splintered with wood from whatever beautiful project he was tinkering with at the time, or calloused from helping Rusty maintain one of the many gorgeous gardens that still adorn their home on Burcher Avenue today. Through all of this and with unwavering resolve, he remained a loving, loyal, and truly wonderful husband and patriarch. He was an ever-present role model to his beloved grandchildren (Samm and his deceased brother, Seth), and warmed the hearts of anyone fortunate enough to find themselves in his company. His virtuous character, infectious smile, baritone voice, and, of course, snow-white hair, will be missed and revered forever.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. from the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremations Services Inc., 418 South State St., Clarks Summit. Interment will take place in Cathedral Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Friends may visit from 10 until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please give donations to the family which the proceeds will be donated in Finch's name to PA Suicide Prevention, an organization close to the Yeakel family.