The Newspaper of Record since 1878
Robert “Bob” Samuel Yanik Jr. age 62, passed away suddenly on Nov. 4, 2021. He leaves behind his beautiful wife of 28 years, Reta Yanik. He also leaves behind his father Robert Samuel Yanik Sr, stepmother Maria, stepsister Patricia Bromley, and several nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Jean.
Bob was born in Jamestown, N.Y., and moved to Miami, Arizona, when he was three. He graduated from Miami High School in 1977. Upon graduation he joined the US Army. He was part of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, “The Black Ponies.”
Upon coming home from the military, he got his certification as an aerospace machinist and worked at Modern Industries in Miami.
He had many hobbies, and loved building models and working with his hands. He also had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He was an avid history buff, which was evident with his participation in the Globe-Miami Vigilantes and the Society for Creative Anachronism.
He met Reta, he knew she was the one and they were married on May 22, 1993. Once they were married, they moved to Tucson so she could focus on her studies. They lived there for seven years. Upon completion of her degree, they moved to Mesa.
Bob went back to school at Mesa Community College to study urban landscaping, where he earned two certificates. He also worked in retail for over 20 years.
Services will be held Nov. 12, 2021 with a public viewing at 9 a.m. and services at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building chapel, 422 E. University Dr., Mesa, Az. Interment will be at Globe Cemetery at 2 p.m.
