Alexander Nicholas Yancich

Alexander Nicholas Yancich, husband of Delores (Dee) M. Yancich, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

Born in 1929 in Bobtown, PA, Alex was the son of the late Nicholas and Mary Yancich. He grew up in Dilliner, PA. He was preceded in death by a sister Rena (in infancy), sister Dolores, and brothers Michael and Richard.

He is survived by his wife Dee, his sons Nicholas Yancich and Dave Yancich and daughters-in-law Ellen Yancich and Kim Yancich; grandchildren Christian Yancich, Gillian Kraeuter, Brent Yancich, Ashlei Froehlich, Lindsey Yancich and David Yancich and their spouses. He has numerous great-grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren. He was devoted to family including his nieces and nephews.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1950. Following that, he worked in a coal mine and later owned an Esso gas station with his brother Michael in Masontown, PA. He married Delores in 1953 and they moved to Detroit, MI where he began a successful 38-year career with Chrysler Corp. After several corporate moves, they moved to Ellicott City, MD in 1964 where they have lived for the past 59 years. Starting in 1992, he consulted for several years as an industry expert on automotive arbitration/legal matters. 

Alex and Dee had a remarkable and vibrant marriage and celebrated their 70-year anniversary in June 2023. They were role models and inspired everyone who knew them. 

Mostly self-taught, Alex was a lifelong learner and skilled in electronics, automotive technology, and mechanical repairs. He could build, improvise and trouble-shoot almost anything. He often took on the most challenging projects, even at an advanced age. 

He faced one of his greatest challenges in 2012 when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. He never dwelt on the diagnosis and after treatment, resumed a full and active life. 

He was adventurous and youthful. He went white water rafting in West Virginia, and at age 80 went zip-lining in Alaska. He enjoyed classic movies and was skilled at movie trivia.

He enjoyed playing golf with his sons and grandson and was fond of his friends in the Dirty Dozen group.  He was cheerful and optimistic except when putting, for his putts always seemed to rim out. 

The family would like to send its thanks to the entire staff of Westgate Hills Rehab and Health where Alex spent the past year. We were so moved by their compassion for Alex and Dee and thankful for the outstanding nursing care he received while there. 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Alexander Nicholas Yancich, please visit our Tree Store.