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BORN
1946
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
John Yannacci Obituary
Born Aug. 9, 1946, to Joseph and Edith (née Birchfield) Yannacci, John joined the Navy at 17. A Vietnam Veteran he retired in 1986 after 23 years of service as a Chief Warrant Officer 2. Upon completion of his Navy career, he was hired by the Connecticut Department of Correction, where he retired as the last DOC Training Officer (Captain) and was awarded the Medal of Valor for capturing an escaped inmate after a chase through the streets of Hartford.
John married Michelle Paquin Yannacci and was married for 47 years prior to her death in 2017.
John is survived by his son John Jr. of Marlborough, N.H., his wife Kate and grandchildren, Nadia and Viggo; son Vincent of Waterford; and brother Joseph of Fort Myers, Fla. He was predeceased by his parents; stepmother Corrinne Yannacci.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home at 84 Montauk Avenue, New London. Guests are to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Friday at St Joseph Church, 149 Montauk Ave. Interment, with military honors, to follow at St Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you commit a random act of kindness in John's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Yannacci
Sponsored by Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home.
Don Chinery
September 4, 2025
Aloha, my name is Don Chinery, I was a good shipmate with John, serving on two deep freeze cruises in `66, 67, and 68.
We were part of the Rat Pack on the Gary, and we always went ashore together, especially in New Zealand.
I still recall John and I at Fenway Park when Tony Conigliaro hit a walk-off home run to beat the White Sox.
I also retired from the Navy after over 30 years as a LCDR.
A kind hearted soul, he is missed.
Aloha
Dave Fairman
August 20, 2025
Rest in Peace John
the Dimaggio Family Peter and Susan
January 3, 2025
missing you rest in peace you
Laura Nelson
January 17, 2024
So sorry to hear of your loss! I was John´s Dental Hygienist for about 20 years. I always enjoyed his stories about his family, making Soupy and sauce, his time in the military, and his motorcycle trips. I always enjoyed our visits!! May he rest in peace.
David K Pierce EN2 USN
January 14, 2024
Fair winds and following seas Shipmate. You´re been relieved. We´ve got the watch. We spent a lot of time on the USS THOMAS J GARY DER-326 and traveled around the world twice. I´m sure you will be missed by many. God Bless and RIP. DAVE PIERCE EN2
Sandra Kenny
January 13, 2024
Sorry to hear John passed away.My sincere condolences.I pray for the repose of this soul.
Mike Allen
January 11, 2024
John Vinny and family. Very sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Although I am saddened by your Dad´s passing I want you to know It was good seeing you. I always enjoyed working with you John. You like your Dad are in my book really good men. Lots of luck and good health for you and your family. All the best. Mike Allen
Jennifer M Brown
January 11, 2024
John, Vinny and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your dad from training at York. He made training fun and seemed like a character. Hope you memories of him remain close and are a comfort. May he rest in perfect peace.
John and Phyllis Gulino
January 11, 2024
We have such beautiful memories of John and Michele. Each and everytime we came up to visit Remo and Cathy, John and Michele stopped by to see us.
They always came with delicious foods, from the bakery and the Italian deli. They were such a joy to be around, they completed our visit.
We especially miss the Christmas letter than John would write about his year long adventures. He will be truly missed. Our deepest condolences, he was very special. Love, John and Phyllis Gulino
Michael Gray
January 11, 2024
I am sorry to hear of John´s passing. May he rest in peace
Susan bollenbach dimaggio
January 11, 2024
My mentor my friend at one time we worked the dorms together I took all his experience to help me get through my retirement and John jr I also took some his recipes that now are in my kitchen, John and Dick Ratte are together up there organizing things I am sure your families are in my prayers
Dennis Morgan
January 10, 2024
Dennis Morgan
January 10, 2024
Dennis Morgan
January 10, 2024
From the desk of Vincent Yannacci, son of Retired Correctional Training Captain John A. Yannacci Sr.
"Career achievement wise, my Beloved Father John Yannacci Sr. was most proud of his time in the Navy. But a damn close second was his time in DOC.
Saturday night, in a quiet moment alone with my dad, I was reading him the comments from his DOC friends and coworkers. After I read the last one, I took a minute to compose myself and when I did, realized my dad had stopped breathing.
The last thing he ever heard in his life was me reading him best wishes and great memories from people he loved, respected and cared for.
I want to thank you all for making that possible.
I´d like to ask that anyone who has any photos of him related to his time in the Department could you please send them to Dirmy Mack who has been kind enough to coordinate the DOC Honor Guard.
Finally, a few more thank you´s:
To Reggie Patchell for writing this:
"Oh my God, we just had a get together at Jim Erfe´s home and John attended. It was GREAT to see everyone, especially John. John helped out a lot with my issue back in 1996 and it was nice to be able to thank him, shake his hand and give him a hug. John has always been one of the great guys of our past for those of us who worked in the early 80´s and on."
To Jim Erfe for hosting the picnic and inviting my dad.
To David Bourne for offering to come and pick him up.
To Billy Lincoln who held center stage and provided the entertainment.
To everyone else who was there.
And finally to Edith Tarrant who spread the word about my dad and forwarded us the comments.
This is the last thing my father ever heard and he died while reliving memories of that day."
The CT. DOC has lost a Great Man...one of our family. RIP John.
Beverly Causa
January 10, 2024
My Sincere Condolences to the Family R.I.P John You Will Always Be Remembered.
Terry wright
January 10, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Pat Katz
January 10, 2024
Thank you John so much- for so much kindness and support. We will remember you as an inspiration.
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