Mrs. Harriet Yakalavich ,73, of Dallas, formerly of Pittston, passed away Friday, April 23, 2021, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Born on September 25, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Harry Eckert and Janet (Messler) Rader Hardy. She worked for many years as a seamstress in the garment industry.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Michael Yakalavich, whom she met in the Poconos and married in 1990 and moved to Pittston.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother to her Munchkin, as she called him, TJ. The light of her life were her grandchildren and she enjoyed spending as much time with them as she could. Harriet enjoyed country music, line dancing and Nascar.

Surviving are her three beautiful daughters:
Danielle Cimakosky and her husband, Christopher, of Hanover Township
JoeAnn Comunale and her husband, Jeffrey, of Roseto
Christina Skasko and her partner, Eric Skelton, of Wyoming

She is also survived by her grandchildren:
Alissa Everetts and her husband, Troy
Courtney Cimakosky
Dalton Skasko
Bryan Skasko
Carmon Comunale
Santino Comunale

Great grandson, Troy Jr. aka "TJ" and future great granddaughter, "baby Everetts"

Sister, Heather McClaren of Virginia
Brother and sister in law, Joseph and Joanne Yakalavich of Pittston
Her partner in crime, her Lily Bug

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 or Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612. Arrangements are by the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea. To leave an online condolence for Harriet's family, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

Guestbook Entries

It saddens my heart that your gone, but I take peace in knowing your finally with Mike. I will miss you dearly and so glad I got to know you and Mike and the memories I have make me smile and laugh. And there were always good laughs with you and Mike!! So here's toasting a Tractor Fuel to you ( god that was awful as I sit here laughing about when you had me try it) !! God speed my friend-and thanks for the laughs, the talks, the memories and the photos - but I know your where you want to be and probably raising a little hell (ok alot ) I will miss my friend and 2nd mother! Love ya Harriet- give Mike a big hug for me! Now go enjoy being with the love of your life - and watch over your Redneck Gang ;) oxox

Tess (almost 3 years ago)

For years I have listened to Harriet’s stories about all the grandkids, great grandson and Lily. I have great memories of Harriet from our Redneck shenanigans, lunches, dinners, and even lengthy phone calls. There is no doubt in my mind that she is in her glory, as she is greeted by the love of her life once again. There is no more grieving. There is no more unbearable pain. May you have the eternal peace with Mike surrounded with lots of country music, Jack, and even some Tractor Fuel. You are missed. My love to all of your girls too.

Suzie Ritzco Lee (almost 3 years ago)

My deepest condolences to JoeAnn and her family during this very difficult time. May your memories help support you through your grief.

Laura Eppler (almost 3 years ago)

May Harriet's memory be for a blessing. May it be that those you interact with inspire and generate acts of loving kindness in all.

Kimberly Valuntas (almost 3 years ago)

I was your wild child, your greatest challenge and yet you loved me thru it all. My heart is empty without you and I miss you so very much. I'm at peace however knowing that you're back in Mike's arms. Watch over, guide and protect Dalton along the path he's about to embark on. I'll never stop being the crazy one, I'll be sure to entertain you as you watch over me. I love you ma!!

Christina Skasko (almost 3 years ago)

My prayers are with Harriet and her family. Peace and Blessings to her and her family!

Angelo J. Valletta (almost 3 years ago)

Blessed is the life well-lived. We hold JoeAnn and the entire family in our prayers. May the peace of God, the love of Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, as your love carries you through.

Evelyn Leon (almost 3 years ago)

R.I.P.Harriet,your smile will be missed dearly,Many great memories of Mike and you,at our gigs,and our conversations on phone.You are finally back with Mike and together with JESUS.AMEN

Stephen Berger (almost 3 years ago)

You always welcomed me into your home with open arms! You were kind, funny, and caring. I always enjoyed seeing you! You will be deeply missed!

Nora Conley (almost 3 years ago)

I have so many memories! Growing up and coming to your house was always a laugh. Thank you for always welcoming me. I know you are at peace to finally be witj Mike. Don't worry about your middle child! She is strong and I will always be there for her and her family.

Jamie Catalano Bauer (almost 3 years ago)

RIP my friend. You are now with Mike

Rosemary Greco (almost 3 years ago)

My condolences to your family. I met Mike and Harriet through line dancing. We enjoyed many evenings with them. I will miss her posts, photos, and political views. Thanks to FB I stayed connected with her over the years. She is at peace now with her love.

Doreen Salt (almost 3 years ago)

R.I.P my friend. We will always remember the fun times we had line dancing and partying with you and Mike. You also gave us our favorite cat, our three legged Mia Bella who brought us so much joy. To your family I send my sincere sympathy. Know that she had a happy life and with Mike by her side now they will be smiling and continue to be with you always. Prayers for all of you from Dave and me. She will be missed

Bonnie & Dave Gunton (almost 3 years ago)

Rest in Peace, Harriet

Albert Kridlo (almost 3 years ago)

My condolences to your family. I knew Harriet & Mike from line dancing & enjoyed many evenings in their company.

Jeanne DeSandis (almost 3 years ago)

Danielle, I am sincerely so sorry to hear of Your Mom’s passing.She was the life of the party for sure, always quick saying something to make you laugh. I am thankful for having the pleasure of knowing her. God Bless her and You& Your family. Love You

Nancy Bobos (almost 3 years ago)

Christina and family....I am so very sorry for your loss...your mom has now been reunited with the love of her life..she will definitely watch over all of you for eternity!!!!

Tanya Burke (almost 3 years ago)

Danielle and Family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the passing of your beloved Mother. I will always remember her quick, funny wit, her larger than life personality and kindness. May you be comforted by the memories you will hold in your heart forever and the reunion with her beloved Mike. Sincerely, Donna, Andy & Carson Bealla

Donna Bealla & Family (almost 3 years ago)

May she Rest In Peace knowing she gets to be with the love of her life again.

Tiffany (almost 3 years ago)

So sorry for your loss

Romayne Supinski (almost 3 years ago)

Dalton and Bryan we are so very sorry for this great loss to your family. Our deepest condolences to you and all who are hurting.

Tara & James DeFabritus (almost 3 years ago)

I am sooo very very sorry for the loss of your mother...even so I didn't knew her very well, only from country music events way back, she was a wonderful, outgoing, lifeloving, fun to be with one of a kind ....she was longing to be with Mike for quite some time...she finally got her wish...party on...

Elke Kauffman (almost 3 years ago)

RIP Dear Harriet. You will be missed by so many of us who knew and loved you.

Miriam Maxwell (almost 3 years ago)

chrulistina and joeann. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Margo yavorchak (almost 3 years ago)

Otherwise, known as Dan to you. Miss you like crazy, but I know you're thrilled to be reunited with Mike. Watch over my girls, my TJ and our future baby girl! Love you Mom!

Danielle Cimakosky (almost 3 years ago)

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