Harry Alvin Yates

Harry Alvin Yates, 84, of Stuart, Florida passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Cleveland Clinic North through Treasure Coast Hospice.

Harry was born on April 6, 1941 in Hempstead, Long Island, New York and moved to Florida as a child. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School. He then attended St. Petersburg College before enlisting in the United States Navy for three years, ten months, eight days and forty-five minutes. He returned to St. Petersburg, Florida where he met and married Susan Prince, the love of his life, on October 1, 1966. Together they moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where he received Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Florida State University.

After graduation, they moved to Wisconsin where Harry pursued a career as Director of the Wisconsin Council on Criminal Justice for 18 years. During that time, he was elected Village Trustee and then Village President of DeForest, Wisconsin.

Wanting to return to Florida, the newly formed Children's Services Council of Martin County hired him as their first Executive Director. He retired after serving seventeen years of rewarding service to the community.

Harry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susan Yates, daughter Colleen Pachowicz (David), daughter Kimberly Skole (Jeffery) and his grandchildren, Mark, Jake, Cory, KJ, Eva, Mason and Kaleb. Harry was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Hoernig and his father, Harry Alvin Yates.

Harry was a very outgoing and fun-loving man with many accomplishments throughout his life. In High School, he was the Master Counselor of his DeMolay Chapter where he received high honors for his work. As a college student at St. Petersburg College, he was the president of his class. Other achievements include Co-Chair of the Wisconsin Crime Prevention Conference Advisory Council, was accepted to Martin County's first Leadership class, Chair of the AmeriCorps Advisory Council in Martin County, Chair of Martin County Juvenile Justice Council and Juvenile Justice District 15, Board of Directors of Stuart Rotary Club and Martin County Leadership Alumni, Martin County Shared Services Executive Round Table Member and Chair of the Shared Services Alliance of Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast.

Harry was an incredible and loving family man. He loved spending time with his family whether it was sitting around the table sharing memories and laughs, or taking family vacations that included 24 hour drives straight through to the destination. He loved music and social activities and always had a happy outlook on life. He enjoyed flying kites, camping, photography and had a passion for sailing and traveling.

Harry always enjoyed meeting new people and in his advocacy toward helping children, he was an inspiration to many. His bright outlook and positive attitude will be remembered by all who knew him.

Harry's memorial gathering will begin at 3:00pm and the memorial service will take place at 4:00pm Saturday, January 10th at Seawinds Funeral Home at 950 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, FL, 34994. Food and beverages will be served immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Harry to a children's non-profit organization of your choice.

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