Martin P. Yates

Martin P. Yates, age 90, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2015 after a brief illness.

Mr. Yates was born June 12, 1924 in North Tonawanda, New York.

Mr. Yates is survived by his wife of 73 years, Rita Yates, of Strasburg, Virginia; his only child, Martin Yates, of Front Royal, Virginia; his only grandchild, Tammy (William) Barry, of Seymour, Tennessee; as well as many nieces, nephews, and special family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Ida Yates, both Italian immigrants from Santa Croce, Abruzzi, Italy; his sisters Nellie (Tony) Vona, Dorothy Yates; and brother, James (survived by Barbara) Yates, all of North Tonawanda, NY.

Mr. Yates served in WWII in the U.S. Army and U.S. Eighth Infantry Calvary in the Philippines. He was a Bronze Star recipient, as well as a recipient of the Combat Infantry Medal. His mother said, "He left a boy, and returned a man".

He spent his working career as an automobile mechanic, and owned his own repair garage. Prior to retirement, he was employed as a Service Director for Transit Town Dodge located in Williamsville, NY.

After retirement, Mr. Yates relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He relocated to Strasburg, Virginia in 1999, where he resided until his passing.

Mr. Yates was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. He belonged to Saint John Bosco Roman Catholic Church, in Woodstock, Virginia, where he could be found seated near the front row every week.

Per Mr. Yates' request, services will not be held.

In his memory, donations may be made to Saint John Bosco Roman Catholic Church, 315 N. Main St., Woodstock, VA 22664.

You may sign the guestbook at www.stoverfuneralhome.com

Stover Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Strasburg, VA is serving the family of Mr. Yates.

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