Anthony Yacobellis

Anthony Joseph Yacobellis, 95, of Plainville, died peacefully on April 24, 2009. He now joins his beloved wife of 55 years, Eleanor (Schubert) Yacobellis, who predeceased him in 2001.
He was born March 21, 1914, in Plainville, one of five children to the late Frederick and Rose Marie (Lepore) Yacobellis. A lifelong resident, he attended Plainville Grammar School. A 1933 graduate of Plainville High School, he excelled in baseball as a star catcher, and was proud to be inducted into the PHS Sports Hall of Fame in 1990s. His love for the game continued after high school, as he played at Plainville Stadium, and went on to coach and serve as manager for the Plainville Little League. He served his country in the U.S. Army for five years during World War II, was discharged as a staff sergeant in 1945, and was recently recognized for his service by Secretary of the State, Susan Bysiewicz. Upon his return home, he became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Madeley Roberts Post 574, where he was a devoted member and volunteer, and enjoyed countless games of bingo. He worked as an inspector for General Electric for 35 years, retiring in 1976, and was a member of the Frederick-Franklin Lodge of Masons for more than 25 years. He married his childhood sweetheart, Eleanor, in 1946. Together they shared a life full of love and adventure, both having a fondness for duck pin bowling, for which they were inducted into the Duck Pin Hall of Fame; playing golf, a passion he passed onto his nieces and nephews; and traveling throughout the United States. He was a man full of energy with an admirable zest for life, who will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Affectionately known as "Uncle Tony," he is survived by many nieces and nephews, and held a special place in his heart for his great-great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother and three sisters.
The funeral was held on April 27, 2009, at Bailey Funeral Home, Plainville, with a service in celebration of his life at the conclusion of the visitation with the Rev. Russell Waldmann officiating. Burial was held privately and at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to VFW Madeley Roberts Post 574, 9 Northwest Drive, Plainville, CT 06062.