Steven Yacovone 1964-2025

Steve was born June 10, 1964, in Campbell, to Ernesto and Maria Yacovone, where he was raised with strong Italian traditions and the values of hard work and loyalty. After graduating from Austintown Fitch High School in 1982, Steve proudly served his country as a member of the Army National Guard for 12 years. His service was a point of deep pride, shaping him into a man of strength, resilience and unwavering loyalty. When he returned home, he worked faithfully in the beverage industry for 40 years.

Steve carried his Italian heritage with pride and was a dedicated member of both the Akron and Campbell Carovillese Men’s Societies. These communities, rooted in tradition, friendship and fellowship, brought him joy throughout his life. He was also one of the founding members of the famous “Squeaky House,” a place where countless laughs, cigars and stories were shared among brothers and lifelong friends.

He enjoyed life’s simple but meaningful pleasures — fishing, hunting, playing cards, tinkering in his garage and relaxing with the occasional scotch and cigar. These were the moments where Steve found peace, laughter and connection with those he loved most.

Steve shared his life with his devoted wife, Renee, for 37 years. Their partnership was built on laughter, love and hard work. Together, they created a home full of joy, warmth and unconditional love, leaving a lasting mark on everyone who entered their world.

Steve’s love for his children, Tara and Brad Ward, and Steven and Kate Yacovone, was immeasurable and unwavering. His pride in them went beyond words — it was in his eyes, in the warmth of his hugs and in the quiet moments when he simply looked at them and knew he had done his job as a father, raising two incredible, kind and remarkable people. He loved them with a depth that will forever echo in their lives.

Steve was happiest when surrounded by his family, children and grandchildren. His greatest joy came in the role his grandchildren gave him: Tatone. To Charlie, Gracie, Max and Steven, Tatone was a hero, a playmate, a role model, and a safe place. His grandchildren lit up his world, and he filled theirs with unconditional love, endless laughter and the best kind of memories.

“I lived a good life,” Steve would often say. And he did. He lived it fully — through love, laughter, friendship and the little things that brought him joy: a good cigar, a day at the Squeaky House with his brothers and closest friends, family vacations and quiet moments just enjoying the company of the people he loved most. That is the legacy he leaves behind — a reminder to all that the richest life is built not on what we have, but on who we love.

Steve leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins — as well as a lifetime of great friends who became family along the way.

Steve’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of 5 West and 7 West at MetroHealth in Cleveland for their unwavering care and compassion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernesto and Maria Yacovone; his father-in-law, Victor Rozzi; and his sister-in-law, Tammy Rozzi.

He is survived by his loving wife, Renee; his children, Tara and Brad Ward, and Steven and Kate Yacovone; his grandchildren, Charlie, Max, Gracie and Steven; his mother-in-law, Rosemary Rozzi; his brothers, Jordan and Lori Yacovone, and Ernie and Mary Yacovone; his sister-in-law, Debbie and Pat Diana; and his brother-in-law, Victor Rozzi and Missy Porada.

Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at Lane Funeral Home in Austintown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at St. Joseph Church in Austintown.

(special notice)