John Joseph Yanoviak, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully at home in Naples, Florida on January 15, 2026 following a brief illness. John was the son of Andrew Yanoviak Sr. and Jennie Karkosak. He was born in Phoenixville and attended Phoenixville Area High School, where he distinguished himself as second in his class, outstanding in his vocational curriculum (carpentry) and English, and a member of the National Honor Society.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann (Dougherty). They met during junior high school and shared 65 years of marriage. John also is survived by his children, John Jr. (Lewisberry, PA), Kenneth (Philadelphia, PA), Julia O’Brien (Orlando, FL), and Stephen (Louisville, KY); his five grandchildren, Tara, Rita, Jacob, Chloe, and Claire; his sisters Mary, Joanne, and Frances; his brothers Andrew and Stephen; and his extended family and friends, all of whom will miss him deeply. John was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy (Dotty).
After graduation from high school, John served four years in the United States Navy (in California and Midway Island) as a “SeaBee” in the Construction Battalion. He subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of California, developed a successful career, and founded a construction consulting and management company in Florida.
John will be remembered for his intellect, integrity, patriotism, and devotion to his family. He loved boating, vacationing with family, and working with his hands. John was an avid reader and gardener, and an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers during his career.
Services will be private in Naples, Florida at the convenience of the family.
Click here to Send Flowers to the family of John.
If you would like to share an obituary of a loved one to be listed here, please contact the Navy Seabee Foundation at info@seabee.org.