Joseph Paul Yanascavage

Joseph Paul Yanascavage ,88, born August 25, 1922 in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, went to be with our Great Lord, Wednesday, February 9, 2011 in Houston, Texas. He was a graduate of Shenandoah Cooper High School in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, Joseph is survived by Socorro Yanascavage-Jeffcoat; sister Jean Kokus; daughter Michaeline Yanascavage Cantu; grandchildren Christina Yanascavage, Michaeline Basurto, Daniel Basurto, Laura Basurto, Elise Basurto, Marcos Cantu, Christina Cantu; great-granddaughter Alayna Basurto; son Rudy Valenzuela, daughter-in-law Nitsa Valenzuela; grandchildren George Valenzuela, Marialicia Valenzuela, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Michaeline Norieka Buchonis, father John Yanascavage, and Stepfather Paul Buchonis; siblings: Charles, John, Helen, Julia, and Constance Yanascavage. Grandpa Joe's lifelong passion was in the culinary arts becoming a professional chef at the Rice Hotel, Shamrock Hotel, Petroleum Club, and La Belle Rive. He previously held other culinary positions in Lake Placid, Philadelphia, and Boston and most recently used his skills to support family culinary endeavors. His work associations also included Western Auto and the Metropolitan Racquet Club. He was an anti-smoking advocate, creating the phrase "second-hand smoke" and his beloved "fresh clean air for baby" certificate, along with many other ideas and inventions. Joseph enjoyed traveling, reading, sports, politics, making friends, and sharing his life stories with his loving family. Most recently, he was an active community member in the Oak Forest area and a role model to many who will miss him dearly. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2011, from 5-7:30pm at the Heights Funeral Home, with a rosary and eulogy to start at 7:30pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 14, 2011 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1505 Kane Street, at 10:30 a.m. with interment to follow at Hollywood Cemetery.