1952 - 2022
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Jeffrey David Yates departed peacefully the morning of April 22, 2022 at the age of 69 from complications of cancer. While Jeff’s final years involved a difficult battle with cancer and other related health challenges his spirit never strayed from kindness, humor and curiosity. Of course a person’s life is a story of many chapters and the chapters of Jeff’s life were so much more than the epilogue of all that was involved with his health challenges in his final years.
Jeffrey was the first born of parents Robert and Dorothy, at the time, of Dayton, OH. As a boy, Jeff was an adventurous and perhaps a bit of a mischievous son. He was the big brother and practical joker to two loving sisters, Suzanne and Lauralyn. Jeff was a natural athlete excelling in baseball. He was a gifted fastball pitcher who could hit the ball over the fence on any given day.
But it was on the fairway where he eventually discovered one of his true passions in life; Golf. Jeff was a zen master of the green who could read a course like a surgeon. There were rumors debated in the clubhouse that Jeff (“Scratch”) Yates had four holes in one. These were not rumors.
Jeff was also very much a creative spirit. He loved music and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the vinyl of the sixties and seventies. Some of his favorite artists included the Byrds, Neil Young, Bob Dylan and of course Grace Slick. It was in his teen years that Jeff together with friends formed the local legendary Darien Band, The Leaves. Jeff was the lead singer and it was said that there was swooning and perhaps a bit of fainting involved at the local school dances.
Jeff was also a gifted artist. His preference was for water colors and he excelled in style that can best be described as bright surrealistic humor.
Jeff spent the majority of his life in the geography of Fairfield county. It was in his twenties that Jeff mastered the craft of carpentry. Over time he developed his craft and he evolved into a fine master carpenter with a gift for detail and problem solving.
While Jeff never married, he was fortunate to have had several very loving relationships.
Throughout the county he will be remembered as a friend to many and a model of kindness. support and humor.
Due to Jeff’s deteriorating health, his final years were spent in Chelmsford, MA with his sister, Sue and her husband Matt. Jeff was always one to make the best of a difficult situation. Despite deteriorating health Jeff was determined not to become a burden. He became a kind of resident MacGyver, remodeling decks, tiling, painting, fixing a wide variety of household issues and caring for the household pets. Living in Chelmsford also gave Jeff the opportunity to renew relationships with his sisters, his
adoring nephews and grand nephews. And let us not forget the family dog Crowe.
Jeff will be remembered as a kind and caring brother, a loving and humorous uncle and a friend to all who knew him. He is predeceased by his father Robert Yates and mother Dorothy Yates.
Jeffrey is survived by his two loving sisters; Suzanne Yates-Scott of Chelmsford, Lauralyn Yates of Boston, brother-in-law Matthew of
Chelmsford, 3 nephews, 1 niece and 3 grand-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society, Lowell General Hospital (online donation) or the ASPCA (online donation).
Pete Pedulla
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Tara and I send our condolences. We know this has been a long journey for your family. We’re confident the journey’s end is a more peaceful place. Hang in there, and see you soon.
Joe Vitti
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We had some fond memories of 9th grade detention hall and playing in The Leaves. Sorry we lost touch after I left Darien.
Rob Hight
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I must have loved Jeff, because I want to cry every time I think of his passing. So many memories of adventures shared. He influenced my own sense of understated humor, with the punch line often inferred rather than stated. I’ll miss him dearly and am grateful for the great kindness his family showed him during his final years. My condolences to you all.
Susan Gates
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What a loving tribute. My condolences to the Yates and Scott families. Jeff was so lucky to have a wonderful family. May looks ght perpetual shine upon him. Peace to you all.
Jeff & DeLynn
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We share your grief over your loss. My only wish is that I had had a chance to play golf with Jeff. Maybe I would have witnessed one of his holes-in-one.
Virginia Tate
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A wonderful friend, like a big brother to me in our high school years. My condolences to Matt, Sue and his family and friends. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Tysen Canevari
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Jeff was such a great guy who I got to know the last few years hanging around the body shop in Norwalk with the guys. He never looked for help but instead how he could help you. He was a pleasure to talk to and have a beer with. God bless him and I am better for knowing him. Rip buddy!
JC Matlak
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So sorry for y’all’s loss, I’ve known Jeff since the little League days on to Junior high, great guy, and my kind of sense of humor! Lost track of him until the 80’s I was playing at the Lone Star cafe in New York City and who was out there in the crowd? You guessed it good old Jeff Yates! We partied that night and was the last time I saw him, the world lost a good man, and I’m blessed to have known him. And like I said I’m so sorry for your loss!
Marty Womer
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I am sad to learn of Jeff’s passing. He was a profound character in our class during our childhood in Darien, and will always be remembered as a great guy. My condolences go out to Sue and Matt, and the rest of his relatives, and to his many friends old and new, far and wide.
Brenda Rogers
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Thanks for making Jeff come alive for those of us who didn’t know him well. He clearly brought a lot of love, creativity and humor into the world. May he be at rest and in peace. Love to all the Yates/Scotts.
Kevin Moffatt
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‘Free, free falling’. (Tom Petty) I’ve been hearing this verse for days. Not only do I now see Jeff in this phrase but I also know Tom Petty was one of Jeff’s fav’s. His family was always so inclusive to me and Jeff’s dad was one of my Babe Ruth coaches. He really taught me how to play. Starting about the 7th grade Jeff was a constant companion. I do wish I could have given comfort and time to him in his final days.
Bruce Koehler
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my sincerest condolences,Jeff was a great man, He gave me words of kindness at our last school reunion, I will always remember that, and will miss seeing him as all will,I`m sure
Thomas Kessel
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RIP Jeff you were a great friend decent humble then and to the day you left us