Irene Yanno 1928-2023

Irene “I” Frances Szpyt Yanno, the youngest of six children, was born to Polish immigrants on April 14, 1928. Her father John and mother Aniela immigrated to the USA, met and moved to Campbell, where John worked as a laborer in the Youngstown steel mills. In 1932, Irene was 4 years old when her sister Julia and mother Aniela died within three months of each other.

Irene later worked in the cafeteria in the mill and met Dom Yanno, who worked as a laborer there; they married in 1948. Irene and Dom lived in her family home the entirety of their marriage, where they welcomed their only son Jon in 1949. She adored her beloved son Jon, and later her daughter-in-law Sandra; grandchildren Patrick, Leslie, Heather and Joe; and five great-grandchildren.

Irene was known for welcoming family, friends and visitors to her kitchen table to enjoy each other’s company while feasting on numerous delights. She doted over her extended family, always sending each person home with a bag full of their favorite desserts.

In her backyard, you could witness Irene feeding animals that traveled there, including deer, dogs and raccoons; squirrels were known to have knocked on her screen door requesting snacks — and cats would lounge on her porch day and night awaiting lovingly prepared meals. A few strays would cross the threshold into her home to become her pets, including her dear Rosa.

Many relatives continue to cherish Irene’s memory, including her daughter-in-law, Sandy Sheehan; grandson, Patrick (Leslie) Sheehan; granddaughter, Heather (Joe) Land; five grandchildren; nieces, Dolores Dambrogio Lysowski (Robert “Sonny”), Wanda Jean Morris Dambrogio (Donald), Carol Bonavia Dambrogio (James), Diane Lissi; and many nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Loved ones who welcomed Irene to their eternal heavenly reunion include her parents, John and Aniela Pelercz Szpyt; husband, Dominic; son, Jon; sisters, Julia Szpyt, Stanislava “Stella” Dambrogio (Joseph) and Amelia “Millie” Poghen (Phil); brothers, Michael Szpyt and Peter Szpyt (Stella Zuzga); nieces and nephews, including Donald Dambrogio and James Dambrogio Sr.; and her best friend, Valerie Zuzga Vodhanel.

The family wishes to thank Irene’s neighbors, including Annette and Sam, and the Campbell Police Department for helping Irene; Ariana; and caregivers at Masternick Nursing Home and Hospice of the Valley staff for their constant care and kindness.

Per Irene’s request, private graveside services were held at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and send Irene’s family condolences.

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