Richard Paul Yorkovich

Richard P. Yorkovich, 87, of Mount Gilead, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on December 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and the grace of God.

Richard was born on November 21, 1938, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, to the late Peter and Martha Yorkovitch. He was raised in Monaca, Beaver County, just outside Pittsburgh, where the values of hard work, curiosity, and faith took root and guided him throughout his life.

A gifted student with a natural aptitude for problem-solving, Richard attended The Pennsylvania State University, earning a degree in mechanical engineering and graduating as valedictorian of his class.

His academic excellence led to a distinguished career with IBM, beginning at its headquarters in Endicott, New York. It was there that he met the love of his life, Donna Davis. They married within a year, beginning a devoted partnership that would span 63 years and be blessed with four children.

Richard’s career with IBM ultimately brought the family to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he completed his professional journey before retiring. Among the highlights of his career was a year-long assignment in Germany-an experience he treasured.  

After retirement, Richard and Donna built their home on Lake Tillery in the Woodrun community, where they spent the past 30 years. There, they cultivated deep friendships through their neighborhood, church, and dedicated volunteer service.

Richard had an abiding love for staying busy and creating with his hands. An accomplished woodworker, he spent countless hours in his shop crafting beautiful pieces for family and friends.

True to his engineer’s spirit, he delighted in fixing and tinkering with anything mechanical. Just weeks before his passing, he made one final visit to his workshop to repair his favorite wall clock-a quiet testament to a life of purpose and perseverance. Even in retirement, Richard remained active through various part-time jobs, always eager to stay engaged and useful.

He found joy in the natural world, especially through camping and hiking with family and friends. Richard and Donna also shared a love of travel, cherishing their many trips abroad and delighting in new cultures and experiences. A lifelong motor enthusiast, Richard spent many happy years boating on Lake Tillery and took great pride in his beloved 1967 candy-apple-red Mustang convertible with a white top.

A proud Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, Richard lived his faith through service, finding deep fulfillment in helping others through the organization’s charitable initiatives.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Yorkovich; his children, Rick York (Larry), Sherie Bradshaw (Frank), Danny Yorkovich (Pat), and Mike Yorkovich (Jenny); his seven grandchildren, Morgan Bradshaw Morford (Hunter), Jack Yorkovich, Pierce Bradshaw, Alora Yorkovich, Justin Yorkovich, Kaylin Yorkovich, and Jaci Perales; his brother, Jack Yorkovich (Mary Ellen); his sister-in-law, Roseann Skojec; his brother-in-law, Frank Davis (Johanna); and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his cherished cat, Boots. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandchild, Catherine Bradshaw.Richard was joyfully anticipating the arrival of his first great-grandchild, a baby girl, Dahlia, due in the coming weeks. Being a grandfather was among the greatest blessings of his life, and his love will continue through generations.

Memorial donations may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care Hospice, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001, or online at tillerycompassionatecare.org.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 1, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church in Albemarle, North Carolina

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Yorkovich family.