Frank E. Yannelli

Yannelli - Frank E. On Monday, October 3, 2022, The Honorable Frank E. Yannelli, loving husband, devoted father and community leader passed away surrounded by friends and family at his son, Michael's (Nicole) home where he lived for the last three years. He was 85 years old. Frank was born on April 1, 1937, at South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside, NY. Frank's parents are the late Dr. Frank V. Yannelli and Marguerite Yannelli of Baldwin, NY. Frank routinely spoke of the joys of growing up in Baldwin and the time he spent with his parents and sisters Jane and Pam. Frank attended St. Christopher's School in Baldwin, then Chaminade High School and Georgetown University, where he excelled academically and was a member of the swim team. After graduating from Georgetown, Frank served in The United States Army spending time at Fort Dix and Fort Knox. He was a member of the National Guard while he continued to pursue his educational interests. Frank received a Masters of Arts degree and a law degree from Fordham University, then started practicing law in 1964. After a lovely courtship with Roberta (some say it was the Corvette?), Frank and Roberta were married in 1966. They raised three sons, Christopher, Michael, and Thomas. Frank and Roberta settled in Rockville Centre where they lived and raised their family. As a lawyer, Frank excelled. His practice predominantly focused on criminal defense. He loved being an attorney and remained a practicing attorney for close to 50 years. His professionalism and devotion to civility became his trademarks. He treated everyone with the utmost respect. He never had a harsh word for opposing counsel, a witness, or a defendant. Frank's attributes and character were recognized throughout his career. During his career, Frank served as President of the Nassau County Bar Association and The Criminal Court's Bar Association. Frank also became the Rockville Centre Village Justice in 1982 where he served for 25 years. As a magistrate, he had an impeccable record of not only following the law, but of finding a wonderful balance of enforcing laws in a manner that benefitted all litigants. All who appeared before Frank, were treated fairly and with dignity. He was a proponent of giving everyone their day in court. He had genuine care for those who appeared before him. He strove to issue rulings that helped people. As an attorney and judge, Frank would say, "No one can win every case, but every person involved in the court system could be helped in some manner or fashion". He truly administered justice with a sense of compassion. During his time as a Magistrate Frank served a tenure as President of the Nassau County Magistrates Association. Throughout his career as an attorney and Magistrate he received awards from The Nassau County Bar Association, The Criminal Court's Bar Association, The Nassau County Court Officers Benevolent Association, The Schenectady County Bar Association, and The Catholic Lawyers Guild. In 2007, Frank was the recipient of The New York State Bar's award for Attorney Professionalism. This award recognized Frank's qualities and attributes of an attorney reflecting honor, integrity, civility, and commitment in the practice of law. Frank downplayed many of his career achievements and was not the kind of person to bask in any accolades. That being said, he was proud of the work he did as Village Magistrate and in particular modernizing the functioning of the village court. He was also proud of the work he did with CONFIDE, an outpatient drug and alcohol counseling center in Rockville Centre. He was also proud of the work he did in creating a free senior citizen law consultation clinic and the adoption of a creed of professionalism for the Nassau County Bar Association. Frank further served his community by serving on the Board of Directors of the Rockville Centre Economic Opportunity Council, and on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Upon Frank's retirement from the law, he was honored by the legal community for his accomplished career and for his reputation as an upstanding criminal practitioner through the dedication of the Attorney's Room at the Nassau County Court building. That room now bears his name. Frank was a loving father who enjoyed spending time with his sons, Christopher, Michael and Thomas. He was the master of pep talks and adages. "Strong, Straight and Steady"; "Check and Double Check"; "Take Care of Your Equipment and it will Take Care of You"; "Don't Drop the Ball in the Fourth

Quarter" will not be forgotten. Nor will his annual toast at Thanksgiving dinner, to "the Bosom of the Family." He enjoyed vacationing with his family, particularly in Maine. He was an active person and loved to be doing things. Maine provided these opportunities to Frank. He canoed, went for runs, and swam in the "Healing Waters" of the Belgrade Lakes. Frank also enjoyed vacationing in ski locations, hitting the slopes in California, Vermont, and Utah with his family. Running was one of his fondest passions. He would note how running was refreshing and a wonderful outlet. He kept meticulous records of his times and always strove to get faster. He ran races all over Long Island and occasionally in New York City. He had a lot of success in his races and once noted that he "kicked a few peoples' asses today". Frank was also a very proud grandfather and loved his grandchildren: Caroline "Numero Uno", Alex, Madison, Dylan, Zachary, and Keira. Frank was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Frank V. Yannelli, and his mother, Marguerite; his sister, Pam; and his son, Thomas. He is survived by his sons, Christopher and Michael; his sister, Jane and nephews, Greg, Andrew, and Keith and nieces, Jane and Brooke. A visitation will be held Sunday, October 16, 2022, from 2:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. at Glynn Funeral Home in Rockville Centre, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, October 17, 2022, at 9:45 a.m. at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, NY, with interment to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury, NY.