John F. "Buck" Yelovich, of Emmaus, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, at St. Luke's – Allentown Campus. Born June 13, 1940, he was the son of the late John Nicholas and Viola Marion (Fritchman) Yelovich.

Buck was a proud graduate of Liberty High School, where he lettered in football and baseball for three years and also wrestled. He continued his athletic career at Moravian College, lettering all four years in football, earning the prestigious Hound Award, and competing on the wrestling team. After high school, he remained active in local baseball and basketball leagues.

In 1959, Buck enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He earned a medal for expert marksmanship and played football in the Recruit Bowl on Parris Island. After five years of dedicated service, he was honorably discharged.

Buck began his career as an insurance adjuster with the Claude R. Martin Company and later joined Erie Insurance, where he received the Adjuster of the Year Award. He went on to serve as a District Sales Manager before purchasing the E.F. Butz Insurance Agency in Emmaus in 1980. Through his commitment and dedication, he grew the agency into what it is today. He continued to go into work daily, never retiring, enjoying working side by side with his son, Nicholas.  Buck mentored numerous Erie employees and agents throughout his insurance career. He was always willing share his insurance knowledge and give guidance.  He earned and proudly maintained his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation beginning in 1988.  Buck was an avid powerlifter, spending many hours training in the gym for various drug free competitions. He set the American Bench Press record in 1990. His personal best bench press was 430 lbs. drug free.

John cherished time with his family and especially enjoyed traveling, visiting 21 Major League Baseball stadiums and exploring islands across the Caribbean and beyond. He loved restoring and shining his 1969 Pontiac Firebird convertible and taking his wife for leisurely rides—polishing the car brought him nearly as much joy as driving it. He also enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson with his wife. A gifted flight in an ultralight aircraft sparked his passion for aviation, eventually leading him to earn his light sport pilot license after many hours of study and training. Buck was an avid reader, particularly of books on World War II and political history.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Rebecca (Yandle) Yelovich, and his devoted son, Nicholas Yelovich. Buck was a deeply dedicated husband and father whose greatest joy was spending time with his family, whether traveling together or relaxing at home watching sports.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 12:00 Noon in Christ Church U.C.C., 75 East Market St., Bethlehem, with a calling hour 11:00 to 12 Noon prior to the services. A viewing will take place on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus. Interment with military honors will follow in Northwood Cemetery, Emmaus.

In honor of Buck's generosity and commitment to helping those in need within the Emmaus community, contributions may be made to the Emmaus Lions Club, P.O. Box 66, Emmaus, PA 18049, to support their Christmas Visitation program.