Donald P. Yoest

On Friday, September 22, Donald P. Yoest, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away.  He was seventy years old.  Born to Robert and Rosella Yoest, Don lived for much of his childhood in the Morningside neighborhood of Pittsburgh.  His family eventually moved to Hampton Township, where he graduated from Hampton High School and met the love of his life, Leslie.  They were married for nearly fifty years. 

Don was a strong yet compassionate man, who always saw the potential in others and had a relentlessly positive outlook on life. He had an active mind and an indefatigable work ethic that persisted through his final days.  The young boy who shined shoes in Morningside for pocket money grew to become an astute businessman who co-founded a successful distribution company, Pitt Speciality Supply.  He loved the challenge of building the company from the ground up, seeing no hurdles he could not overcome with hard work, creativity, and kindness.  In doing so, he inspired his family, friends, and employees.  

At home, Don was devoted to his family.  He took immense pride in his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments, and he considered his marriage to Leslie to be the greatest achievement of his life.  He would never miss a school performance or athletic event, and he especially enjoyed coaching his children's soccer teams.  In 1999, after a difficult back surgery, Don announced to his family that he would take up running, with the aim of running a marathon.  Less than a year later, to the astonishment of many, he proudly completed the Chicago Marathon.  In his later years, he treasured his travels with Leslie, including trips to national parks, cruises, and family outings at Conneaut Lake, and he often spoke of his fondness of visiting Maine and Canada's Maritime provinces. 

Don is survived by his wife Leslie; his daughter Kathleen Deemer and husband Richard Deemer, his daughter Lisa Yoest and husband Jevon Nyemscek, his son Patrick Yoest and wife Daphne Retter, and his son Michael Yoest and wife Kari Yoest; his grandchildren Caroline, Jackson, August, Robert, Brynn, Clara, Alexandra, Otto, and Millicent; his brother Robert and wife Louann Yoest; and many other family members and loved ones. 

Family and friends are welcome on Monday, September 25 from 6-8 p.m., and Tuesday, September 26 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at BOCK FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Mt. Royal Blvd, Glenshaw.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ursula Church on Wednesday, September 27 at 10 a.m.