Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Stefan Yablonsky Obituary
Stefan "John" Yablonsky, Jr., a lifelong resident of Newburgh, entered into rest on Friday, December 19, 2008, at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh Campus. He was 54.
The son of the late Stefan J. and Barbara Lyons Yablonsky, he was born January 5, 1954 in Newburgh, NY.
John graduated from NFA in 1971 and from Dutchess County Community College in 1998. A Civil War enthusiast, he was also an avid sportsman, reader and musician, especially with guitar and keyboard. He belonged to several local bands over the years.
A gifted teacher, John led his students in Electrical Engineering at Dutchess County Boces VOTEC - Salt Point Campus, to state and national awards. He was a member of IBEW Local 631.
Survivors include his brother, Paul Yablonsky of Cornwall; sisters: Anastasia "Stacey" Westhausser and her husband, Mark of Wallkill, Paula Yablonsky and her husband, Mark Gibbons of Murrysville, PA, and Justina Colon of Napanoch; nieces, Erica Gibbons and Esperanza Colon; longtime friend, Angela Romano, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Bruce Yablonsky in 1973.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. at White & Venuto Funeral Home, 188 N. Plank Rd. (Rt. 32), Newburgh, NY.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 27, in St. Francis Church, 145 Benkard Ave., Newburgh, NY, with Fr. John Vondras officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Route 9W, Newburgh, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Stefan Yablonsky Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Mitchell Scrone, BOCES - Salt Point Educational Center, 5 Boces Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, or to St. Francis Church, 145 Benkard Ave., Newburgh, NY 12550.
Arrangements by White & Venuto Funeral Home; 845-562-6550.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stefan Yablonsky
Mitchel C. Resnick
December 17, 2023
There are still certain songs I play on guitar and immediately Stefan comes to mind.
William Skidgell
January 10, 2009
Of all my teachers Mr. Yablonsky was the only one i kept in contact with. He had an impact on where i am today and im sure his teachings impacted many lives. Just two hours before learning of his untimley passing, i was taking a test and using the skills he taught me 6 years ago. Mr. Y you will never be forgotten.
Tim Sykes
January 9, 2009
I graduated from Mr. Yablonsky's class in 2003 and I just learned of his passing. He was an inspiration to me, as I credit where I am today to him. I enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Red Hook High School and always made it a point to meet up with him at River Station for a beer or two to reminice on old times when I could be home. He will truly be missed but will remain in all our hearts as an inspiration and a true friend.
Bonnie Kohn
January 1, 2009
To the Yablonsky family,
I am so sorry for your loss of John. I am a close friend of Paula's and know that your family has suffered too many losses that took love loved ones long before their time. May your memories bring you comfort.
Patrick DeTomaso
December 29, 2008
Dear Yablonsky Family,
I did not know Stefan personaly but I can tell you that my son atteneded his class at BOCES.
He was instrumental in encouraging my son Nick DeTomaso to continue his education and to go on to become an electrical engineer.
My son always spoke fondly of and respected Mr.Yablonksy.
I was very sad to here about your loss.
My son Nick was in town the day of the funeral and attended the church service with his wife.
What a blessing Stefan's life was to so many.
May we all be about building into others lives as the opportunity permits.
I believe that GOD used Stefan in many ways to bless others.
GOD Bless you all!
Michael Tomaseski
December 27, 2008
Dear Stefan, You were always a great experienced teacher to talk with and to learn from. Thank you! I will always teasure our "solvak" lunch we all shared on C wing!
Mitchel Resnick
December 27, 2008
To the Yablonsky family: I played guitar with "John" when we were in high school together. I have the fondest memories of our "group" playing and hanging at the Foster Town Church. I extend my sincerest condolences to all of his family and friends...
a warm hug in thought,
Kathy Yurchuk
December 26, 2008
Yablonsky family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. John was a great guy, whenever I seen him, whether it was at the store, or him jogging on the road we would always chat about the old days.
May God comfort you at this time and always.
Gary and Karen Dansfield
December 25, 2008
To the entire Yablonsky family,
We're so sorry to hear of John's untimely death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this very difficult time.
Roger Fowler
December 25, 2008
Stacey, Mark, Paul, Justie & Espy,
Our heart breaks for all of you. Although we didn't know John very well personally we knew him through you. If he was like you all and I know he was, he was a gentle, caring, spirtual & outspoken young man. I can only imagine the great teacher he must have been. I'm sure he will be dearly missed by his present and past students.
I know it is so hard right now but remember that he is now in a very special place. In a way we can all be a little jealous, he now has all the answers we have always wondered about. We also have a new prayer partner to help us here on earth.
Remember our Prayers are for you all and John, say hi to Pop for me.
Roger & Sina
Linda Previll
December 24, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I only knew Stefan for a short time but was very impressed by his dedication and compassion for his students. He will be missed.
Cheryl Winstel
December 24, 2008
Stef,
Life brings many joys and many sorrows. It was a joy to know you as a friend. We shared many laughs, many struggles, and even survived our VTE classes together. You will be greatly missed. This is your first Christmas in heaven, rejoice. Though we are sad, you are at peace. Until we meet again.
Cheryl Winstel
cathy Lanigan
December 23, 2008
Justina and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. John was a terrific man. He truly loved his family. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
Daniel Grady
December 23, 2008
Someone once told me, if you have enough true friends in your life as the number of fingers you have on one hand, count yourself lucky... I considered Stefan to be one of those friends. John was Stef, to me. We worked in different Tech Centers as Electrical instructors in different counties. He in Dutchess and myself in Orange. We made a point to get together every year, for the past eighteen years, and talk about our jobs, families, things we had in common. I visited his house and was amazed at how much he loved his home and family history. He was a proud man and cared very much about his family, students and his program. I will miss him greatly. I considered him to be a distant brother in many ways. I wish you and your family peace,at this difficult time...
Dan Grady and family
Uncle John with his first niece - Erica.
December 23, 2008
Growing Family!
December 23, 2008
John not 'alligating' any trouble.
December 23, 2008
paula yablonsky
December 23, 2008
if i was asked to eulogize my big brother this is what i would say:
john, we had our ups and downs, our fights and estrangements. but that is not how i will remember you.
i remember how mom always called you an instigator. i thought she called you an alligator. but, if one of the beatles could be the walrus, you could be the alligator...
and yes, you did get your brothers and sisters into trouble. like the time after halloween you wanted a little camp fire in the woods and we wound up with a blazing forest fire. the back woods weren't the only thing burnt that day - the sunday roast was inedible and mom had a five alarm migraine.
there were trips on the crick behind grandpa's house in a leaky old rowboat, times we motored around the field in a beat up old henry j, and risked ice skating on said crick never knowing if the ice was hard enough or not.
John, you were the blonde boy we trailed after like so many little chickens. Its too soon to say goodbye to you. Try not to alligate any trouble in heaven.
One of your little sisters,
Paula
Sheri O'Neill
December 23, 2008
To the Yablonsky family
Mr. Y may not have remained on this earth as long as we all hoped but know that he touched and taught so many young men and women to be the best they could be. As a parent of one of his students he did not only have the respect of his students but of the parents as well in partnering to grow responsible, respectable young men. He will always have a spot in our heart. Bless you all and may God bring you comfort at this time of sorrow.
Mike Elford
December 23, 2008
John
I remember your face and voice as though we saw each other yesterday. We hunted together as kids, you walked from your house to mine, since we were to young to drive. I remember going to your Grandfathers Camp, to hunt or just get away, camping at Lake George, playing music, and all the other adventures we had while we were growing up. We haven’t seen each other in years, but the memories will be with me forever. Be at peace now John with your Parents, Grandparents, and Bruce. My deepest condolences to the Yablonsky family, on their loss.
Angela Romano
December 22, 2008
My Dearest Stefan,
Your words will echo in my heart for all eternity, "I love you now and always". Peace be with you my love. Til we meet again.
Yours Always,
Angela
Bill Darmento
December 22, 2008
To The Yablonsky Family,
I graduated from Mr. Y's program in 1997 and went on to study at Hudson Valley Community College. The values, discipline and knowledge that Mr. Y. instilled enabled me to obtain a great job with Metro-North that has allowed me to support my family. Of all my teachers over the years he was the only one I kept in contact with. I will miss him greatly.
May God bless you and keep you during this time, and rest in the knowledge that he is safe with our Saviour whose birth we prepare to celebrate.
james malcolm
December 22, 2008
im sorry to hear of john's passing. i grew up with john on new rd. he was a good old boy. may he rest in peace
jimmy malcolm
41 new rd
Michael Pomarico
December 22, 2008
To the Yablonsky Family: I'm am very sad to hear of Johns passing. I will never forget watching him jamming on his B.C. Rich guitar with a Marshall amp at the Golden Rail almost 30 years ago with Leo B and the guys in Pressure point. He was an awesome guitarist and an all around good guy. I just lost my father just two weeks ago and I noticed that John also shared my dads birthday of Jan 5. Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss. I'm sure that he will be jamming in heaven forever !
Stacey Westhauser
December 22, 2008
John,
Thank you for coming to my door the other day with my beautiful Christmas tree. I didn't know it would be the last time I would see you, but it is such a joyful memory. Mark and I are putting it up this evening. Go to the savior that we love so much, be reunited with Mom, Dad, Bruce, grandparents, and pray for us that we may all be together again.
Stasia
Richie Crisci & family
December 22, 2008
Dear Paul & family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing. Our deepest condolences to you all during this most difficult time. May the fond memories you have of your brother and friend help comfort you during this difficult time.
Neil Finnegan
December 22, 2008
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived and that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
Pattie & Eric Greiner & Family
December 22, 2008
Paul,
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
ROBERT "BOB " MARKEL
December 22, 2008
TO THE YABLONSKY FAMILY
SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOST , I AM A COUSIN ,
John doing what he loved the most.
paul yablonsky
December 22, 2008
Rest now with the angels big brother.
Love your little brother Paul.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Stefan Yablonsky's name
Memorial Events
for Stefan Yablonsky
How to support Stefan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stefan Yablonsky's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
