Donald Yankovich, born April 6, 1937, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 24, 2026, with his family by his side. The son of George Yankovich and Mary Linko, Don grew up with a brilliant mind, a practical nature, and a steady presence that stayed with him throughout his life.
Don was the kind of person who could take things apart, understand them, and put them back together better than before. He earned both his Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and his Master's in Aeronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Don worked incredibly hard for these achievements and took great pride in them. His work at Draper Laboratories, contributing original engineering designs to the Apollo navigation and guidance system, was one of the defining accomplishments of his career. He loved telling stories from those years, especially about traveling with Barbara to see the Apollo 13 launch firsthand. Even decades later, talking about it brought a spark to his eyes.
Before beginning his engineering career, Don served in the United States Air Force, including time in Tully, Greenland. He shared stories from that time with everyone — the cold, the challenges, the funny moments — and retelling them brought him great joy. Those stories became part of how he connected with people, offering glimpses into experiences that shaped his perspective and life.
Don was also a proud Master Mason of the Simon W. Robinson Masonic Lodge in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he found friendship and purpose. Don was also honored to be a member of the Shriners.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Yankovich; his brother George Yankovich, Jr., his son Eric Yankovich, his daughter Julie De Silva; son-in-law Rajiv De Silva; and step-grandchildren Marisa, Sohan, and Sanjay De Silva. They carry forward his stories, his pride, and the love he gave in his own way.
Don will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his unique way of connecting through stories, and the joy he found in sharing the moments that shaped him. He lives on in the memories he created and the lives he touched.
Don's Life Celebration will include a visitation on Wednesday September 30, 2026 from 10am – 12pm at the William J. Leber Funeral Home (908) 879-3090, 15 Furnace Road (corner of Route 206) Chester, NJ 07930. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Chester immediately following the visitation. Members of the United States Air Force will conduct military honors at the graveside.
