Eastford – Steve M. Yakis, 47, of Boston Turnpike, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2014 in UMASS Memorial Hospital. Born in Boston, MA, he was the son of Estelle (Lavallee) Yakis of Putnam and the late Andreas Yakis.
Mr. Yakis worked as an electrical engineer for Pratt & Whitney for 27 years. Steve was a member of the NRA. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting and playing basketball when he was younger. He also enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball and basketball teams.
In addition to his mother, Steve is survived by his sons, Ryan, Matthew, and Nathan Yakis of Eastford; his fiancé, Donna Brown of Eastford; and his aunt, Theresa Lavallee of Putnam.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Steve’s family from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 2, 2014 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin in the funeral home at 9:00 am on Monday, November 3, 2014 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St, Putnam, CT. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Eastford Independent Fire Company, No. 1, P.O. Box 333, Eastford, CT 06242. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Fran Graham
Donna,
Words cannot express the sorry I feel for you in this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you and the family and know that I am praying that Steve is joined by our heavenly Father and is enjoying the company of his family and all the angels. God bless!
Fran
Tom and Claudia Tweedie
We would like to express our deepest condolances to Steve’s mom, his 3 sons and Donna. I have known Steve since his first day at Pratt and Whitney. I consider him one of my favorite friends and people in life. Personally I think he is the strongest man I have ever met, mentally and physically, especially when he used to toss me around like a sack of potatoes. Everyone who knew Steve will be missing a very special person for a very long time. Someday when I finally grow up I want to be like Steve. PUD
Carleen Morneau
Donna-
How I wish I could offer you words of comfort to help ease your grief. May the cherished memories of your time together give you strength to get through this dark time. Steve no longer suffers but now rests peacefully in the arms of the Lord.
Praying for you and the boys.
-Carleen
Bruce
I have worked with Steve for 25 years and have always admired his courage. I never once heard him complain about his health. He always came in with a great attitude and a smile ready to work. He truly was a special person and an inspiration to all of us. We will miss him greatly.
Loren B Sneider
Donna,
Steve was such a good person, and I am so sorry he pass away.
Steve and I had some good times and memories together.
We will all miss Steve.
Loren
Sue Kramer
Donna and family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Know that I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Kramer
lisa millett
Deb and Children,
My deepest sympathy to you at this time. Just know he is in heaven now not suffering any longer, and keep him in your hearts and wonderful memories forever… He will look down upon you from the heavens till one day when you join him again in eternal life. God Bless You
Missy Yakis Dietz
My deepest sympathies go out to Steven’s family. I have so many wonderful memories of our childhood together. He was a wonderful caring person and I will miss him terribly.
Bob Papenguth
My condolances to Steve’s sons and family. I worked with Steve at PW and he was always a great guy to be around. He was too young, my deepest sympathies.
Bob
Jeannine Spink
On behalf of the Eastford Independent Fire Company #1, Inc., I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the Yakis family. The “Yakis Boys” have come full circle from junior members when they turned 14 to the men and members they are today. They are the future of the EIFC. Their parents are to be commended for the time they took getting them to drills and calls. Through the years Steve has been a quiet, supportive fixture at the department for the boys. He will guide them. Thank you for designating the EIFC to receive donations in his memory. Jeannine Spink, President
Doug Cutler Jr.
I knew Steve since high school. He was a great all-around guy. I’d bump into him from time-to-time in town and it was nice to be able to talk to him. Very sorry to hear this news.
Doug Jr.
Sherry Korner-Huri
To Ryan, Matt, and Nate
I was so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He certainly fought the good fight for a long time. While he was taken from you way too soon, you’ll always have your memories to help sustain you in this difficult time and in the future. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Sherry Korner-Huri
S.Rubio
I would like to express my condolences at this time to your family. The Bible is a great source of encouragement at times like this. A comforting thought is at Revelation 21:3,4, where it states “…And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry be anymore the former things have past away”. This scripture gives us hope for the future! You can also find comfort in Acts 24:15 – Death does not end it all. May Jehovah bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Your neighbor,S.Rubio
Bob Tomlin
Steve’s passing is a terrible sadness for me and many,many, others. Everyone at work that knew Steve loved him. His knack for making people laugh uplifted the spirits of many people who were “down in the Monday Morning Dumps” and we all flocked to his lab for a dose . Steve was smart, witty, and interesting, and he earned the respect of all of us who were fortunate enough to be associated with him. He will be one of my “Most Unforgettable Characters” in my life.
Tony & Geri Rush
Estelle, Donna, Ryan, Matthew, Nathan,
In this time of sadness, may you feel the love and support of friends and family who will be there for you as long as you need them. We love you, Tony & Geri
Tony & Geri Rush
Estelle, Donna, Ryan, Matthew, Nathan,
We hope you feel the love and support from friends and family who will be there for you as long as you need them to be. Our deepest sympathy.
Love Tony & Geri
Cheryl Reenstra
So very sorry to hear of your passing Steve. You were a great guy and had been through a lot. You were a great dad and raised some good sons. I pray for strength for your family and everyone that loved you. You know our whole class will miss you dearly. I’ll see you on the other side someday; Rest in Peace dear friend <3
Susan Gregoire
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Prayers & condolences to his family. Rest easy dear friend.
Susan Lee (Mrs. Lee)
Dear Ryan, Matt, and Nathan, So sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts are with you.
Sue Fred and Meredith Lavallee
Dear Aunt Estelle,
My family and I offer you our sincere condolences and prayers. We are sorry for your loss.