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Yong Ja Saccone

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | July 10, 2023

Yong Ja Saccone, age 64 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Canterbury Place, Pittsburgh. Born February 3, 1959 in South Korea, she was a daughter of Chae Oh Kang and Sun Nim Chong. A member of Spirit Chapel, Yong was the owner and head aerobics instructor of Yong's Aerobics. She is survived by her husband Dr. Richard Saccone; her sons Nick (Yeon Hee) Saccone of Arlington, VA and Matthew (Shannon) Saccone of Clinton; her grandchildren Arianna Elizabeth, Giovanni, and Julianna Maria Saccone; her siblings; and also her nieces and nephews.

As that was the basic biographical information of Yong, we leave the rest to her husband's words:

"Today, a bright light from heaven left the earth and returned to heaven. Yong was the quintessential mom, wife, grandma, friend, and follower of Christ. She was a prayer warrior and prayed for so many of you BY NAME when you did not even know it. For others in pain she actually FASTED without even telling you. She did so much for others without expecting anything in return. Simply, she had a loving heart for people and never tired of sharing the love of Christ.

"Yong was known for that contagious smile that disarmed and stunned whoever saw it. So many of you across the state, and even across the country were friends to her. She was kind to everyone and appreciated the friendship of you all.

"She was everything to me and all that I am I owe to her. She was right there with me and supported me throughout my military career. When I went to North Korea and later Iraq, Yong held our family together during a difficult separation. She was the driving force behind my education supporting and encouraging me to finish my Ph.D. She joined in caring for students during my teaching career, cooking for many, and sponsoring field trips around the world. She was the energy and strength behind my political career pushing to knock on more than 18,000 doors together, and never missing a day in Harrisburg with me, attending every event and becoming well known to everyone. In Washington, she beguiled many and she was so proud to meet Vice President Pence and talk with President Trump who commented how beautiful she was. Along the way she befriended thousands of you who were praying for her battle with cancer and we both appreciated that genuine spiritual support.

"Yong and I were joined as one in 44 years of blissful marriage. She raised two wonderful successful and Godly sons, Nick and Matt who she adored. I always knew I never deserved such a blessing. I cannot imagine life without her.

"The world was a better place because of her. The world is a little darker without her.

"Many of you know how patriotic Yong was. She appreciated and loved America and her signature red, white and blue was always the center of her wardrobe and the décor in our home. As a tribute to her, we ask that anyone attending the viewing please wear something patriotic or red, white and blue if you can, even if its just a flag pin. I know Yong would love that."

Friends will be received in the Daniel F. Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory, Versailles, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 1 PM until 4 PM and 6 PM until 8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 10 AM with Pastor Mark Grice officiating. Burial will take place at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville. If attending the burial, please arrive at the cemetery no later than 2:15 PM. Arrangements are in the care of Daniel F. Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory, 4504 Walnut Street, McKeeport, PA 15132, 412-678-3454. www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

Originally published July 10, 2023.

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