Ernest Yacovone

AUSTINTOWN - Prayers will be held Saturday at 9:15 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Mineral Ridge, for Ernest "Ernie" Yacovone, 80, who passed away late Tuesday evening at Hospice House.

Ernie was born Dec. 17, 1934, in Carovilli, Italy, a son of the late Stefano and Lucia (Sferra) Yacovone, and came to Campbell in 1954.

Ernie was an electrician for IBEW for 42 years, retiring in 1996. He was a member of St. Mary's Church in Mineral Ridge, where he was an usher and a member of their Men's Club. Ernie was previously a volunteer fireman for the city of Campbell, and was a former member of St. Lucy Church and the Carovellisi Men's Society in Campbell. He was also a member of the Union Local No. 64 and the St. George Croation Lodge No. 66.

Ernie leaves his wife, the former Loretta Merkich Svatosky, whom he married Sept. 17, 2005; his three sons, Ernie (Mary Lynn) Yacovone of Austintown, Jordan (Lori) Yacovone of Austintown, and Steven (Renee) Yacovone of Mineral Ridge; eight grandchildren, Michael (Kristen), Nicholas, Cara, Alyssa, Steven, Tara, Jenna, and Trevor; sister JoAnne (Ted) Spencer of Campbell; brother George (Sandy) Yacovone of Campbell; two stepsons, Jimmy (Jennifer) Spencer and Steven (Beth) Spencer, both of Toledo; two stepgrandchildren, Amanda (Anthony) and Amber; and his two best friends, his dogs, Lady and Mr. Beans.

Ernie was also preceded in death by his first wife, the former Maria Antonelli, whom he married Sept. 1, 1956, and who passed away May 1, 2003; his sister, Matilda (Angelo) Marino; and his younger sister, Rita Yacovone of Italy.

Family and friends may pay their respects Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ernie's family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Hospice of the Valley for their excellent care of our husband and father.