Francis "Frank" P. Yagodzinski

Francis P. Yagodzinski (Frank) was born in Westmoreland City, PA on June 26, 1939 to Pauline (nee Wisneski) and John Yagodzinski. He died in Cincinnati on December 29, 2024 at age 85. He is survived by six children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His children are Carina Yagodzinski, Christa Malton (Todd), Mark Yagodzinski, Lori Yagodzinski, Lisa Harris (Mike), and Monica Yagodzinski. Frank is survived by six grandchildren Sarah Grote, Samantha Tidball (Connor), Britney Harris, Nicole Malton, Anna Yagodzinski, and Jude Yagodzinski, and his three great-grandchildren Brayden, Ryder, and Stella Tidball. Frank spent his golden years with his sweetheart, Millie Henley. Frank’s parents and his sister Cecilia Gerda preceded him in death. 

Frank was a lifelong Catholic and his faith was very important to him. He served as an altar boy. He had great faith in God, sharing two special devotions to Saint Francis and the Blessed Mother. 

Frank graduated from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA with a degree in philosophy. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1970 and attained the rank of Captain. He flew 126 missions as a navigator on B-52 Stratofortress planes during two combat tours in Southeast Asia. Frank flew nuclear airborne alert missions in defense of the USA during the Cold War. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal, among other awards, ribbons, and medals throughout his military career. As a lad, he built model airplanes with his father, then later helped his son build models.

Frank was an enthusiastic father who participated in many activities with his children. His way of educating his children was traveling across the United States in the family motorhome exploring National Parks and visiting historical landmarks and monuments. He loved video recording special family moments and events throughout the years. He coached soccer teams, built forts, constructed play kitchens, and gave his children animals and ponies to ride. He was a loving grandfather, and he even designed and constructed an elaborate swing set with a slide for the grandchildren. He knew that childhood should be fun, but he instilled his work ethic, too. 

Frank pursued an interest in history by participating at Revolutionary War and Civil War reenactments. He enjoyed traveling, often wearing period attire at many historical places, such as Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, and Gettysburg with his sweetheart, Millie. His great joy was to dance at the many historical balls at Gettysburg, Louisville, and other places. Frank could be seen swirling around the dance floor with his hoop-skirted lady, Millie, in his arms. They took trips to France, England, Prague, Vienna, Italy, Canada, Yellowstone, the Tetons, and the Wind River Valley. 

Mass of Christian Burial for Frank Yagodzinski will be at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday January 4, 2025. The church is located at 7820 Beechmont Ave. in Anderson Township. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Montgomery, OH. There will be reception immediately following his burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Wounded Warrior Project, or similar institutions whose purpose is to aid wounded veterans.