Joseph "Pepe" Yanez

Joseph "Pepe" Yanez, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a life filled with faith, family, and community.

Born and raised in Lambert's Point to the late Jose and Mary Rano Yanez, Pepe's love for sports began early, playing football for the local Lambert's Point Dukes team - a program he would later dedicate over 20 years to as a coach when it became the West End Dukes. He proudly coached his sons, nephews and countless other young athletes in both football and baseball, leaving a lasting mark on generations of players.

A hardworking and determined man, Pepe began his career at The Virginian-Pilot then moved into pharmaceutical sales with Bristol Myers Squibb. While raising four children he put himself through night school at Old Dominion University, ultimately becoming a Stockbroker and Vice President of Investments with AG Edwards and Wells Fargo for nearly 40 years.

Pepe's life was anchored by his Catholic faith. He was a devoted parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church, where he attended weekly meetings of his beloved "Book Krewe" - a deep university level study of Catholic literature. He was a member of both the Knights of Columbus and the Ryan Club. For over five decades, Pepe also cherished his monthly poker games where laughter and camaraderie were as important as the cards and the fifty cent stakes. He enjoyed a good Western novel, never met a stranger and shared stories with equal parts humor and poetic embellishment.

Never one to take life for granted, Pepe delighted in every meal, every trip, and every story - always declaring each one "the best ever". He was proud of his Spanish heritage and delighted in showing off his bilingual skills with the occasional waiter often sparking laughter at the table. His joyful spirit and gift for storytelling will be deeply missed.

Pepe is survived by his devoted wife of 26 years, Marjorie Yanez; his children, Christopher Yanez, Adam Yanez (Flurry), Patrick Yanez (Jeannine), Alicia Solomon; and his cherished grandchildren, Reeves Yanez, Adelle Rivera (Christian), Reed Solomon, Davis Solomon, Lucy Yanez, Cooper Yanez and Josey Yanez. He is preceded in death by his brother Anthony Yanez and survived by his siblings, Mary Yanez Bryan and John Yanez (Gloria).

Visitation will be Thursday, September 4, from 6:00-8:00 pm at H.D. Oliver in Norfolk. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 5 at 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.