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Christopher Yonkin Obituary
He was predeceased by his parents Clayton and Eleanor Yonkin and his sister Jane LaGier. He will be forever loved and remembered by his wife of 49 years Jean (Torjesen) Yonkin, his three daughters Amanda Yonkin and her fiancé Paul Drone of Merrimack NH, Alyssa and Trevor McEnaney of Ridgefield CT, Abby Yonkin and her husband David Dion of Ave Maria FL; his grandchildren Madison and Christopher Boerner, Avry Dion, Lucas and Hudson McEnaney; his siblings Marie Anstrom, Charlie Yonkin and John (Lisa) Yonkin and several loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Christopher was raised and educated in Vestal, NY. Continuing his education Chris earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Hobart College in Geneva NY where he was a Sigma Chi brother and captain of both the Football and Baseball teams.
He owned and operated Tire Town Auto Service Center in Merrimack NH for 39 years. He will be remembered for his generosity, integrity and compassion.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Avow Hospice in Naples Florida at
https://avowcares.org/donate-now/
To leave an online condolence, please visit rivetfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Yonkin
Mark Neisler
June 1, 2023
All honor to his name.
Ann-Marie and David Altomare
August 23, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Jean and all of your family. With prayers that the Lord will give you peace and comfort you at your time of loss.
Lucien (Lucky) Mailhiot
August 11, 2021
Jean my sincerest condolences to you and your family.Chris and I shared many great conversations and laughter in the last 40 years.Just a wonderful man with a great personality,and sooooo proud of his family.RIP my friend!!!!
Bill Klein
August 10, 2021
Chris was my "go to guy" for tires, alignment, etc. for many years! Jean ... oh my goodness how you helped me with condo rentals and purchase during a difficult time in my life ... I still recall that my friend in sports officiating, ODIE was a teammate of yours in college! God bless all of your family!!
charles haas
August 6, 2021
Chris was a great guy with a great sense of humor, did business with him for many years always a straight shooter.
charles calvino
August 4, 2021
Very sad news. Chris was a great guy. I have known him ever since we moved here in the late 1980's. I was a regular at Tire Town. He was always friendly, very helpful, and also had a terrific sense of humor. With Chris being a Yankee's fan and all, I will miss his harassment (since I am a Red Sox fan.
I hope that Chris's family can get through this difficult time.
Nicholas Flood
August 3, 2021
No matter if he thought you a fool or a friend, you could trust him through and through, and you innately knew it. My heart goes out to the Yonkins for what must be a staggering loss.
Bart Guccia
August 2, 2021
My sincere condolances to the Yonkin family. Chris was my fraternity brother, teammate and friend. I have wonderful memories of all our great times we had. Chris was the best. Sincere thoughts and prayers.
Thomas Lucas
August 2, 2021
Chris was one of the best men I ever knew. He was smart, tough, and loyal. Somewhere in there I also knew him to be loving and kind. He must have been - he managed to keep Jean for 40+ years and raise 3 daughters. I was proud that he was my friend, and will never tire of telling my daughter and friends how good it was to be his. Jean and John - all our best and hope to see you soon - Luke & Joyce.
Paul GOODRIDGE
August 2, 2021
Always enjoyed our friendly discussion regarding Hobart versus Alfred - great individual !!!
Gail Stanwyck
August 1, 2021
Paul Quinter and Gail Stanwyck will always remember Chris. He was always willing to help at a moments notice.
Al and Vesta Stenta
August 1, 2021
May God bless your family in this time of sorrow. Our condolences to Jean and the family. We will always remember Chris and Tire Town; fond memories of our life in Merrimack.
David Mercer
August 1, 2021
To the Yonkin family, I'm so sorry for your loss. The world has lost a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Chris was a man of pride, character and integrity. I always appreciated him for his wit, wisdom and his sense of humor. He is missed.
Michelle Parrish (Jean)
July 30, 2021
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Chris, or Mr Yonkin. I only knew him through Tire Town but he was always so fatherly and generous to me with his services. He always talked of his daughters with great pride. I was a young 20-something on my own and he always treated me so sweetly. My heart goes out to his family. I still think of him as I drive by what was Tire Town. RIP Chris - thank you for your grace
Charles Yonkin
July 30, 2021
God bless.
Roark Cox
July 28, 2021
Chris was a good man, a good friend and a fair and generous businessman. He was friendly, honest and very funny. We have missed him since he moved to Florida and now wish him eternal peace and all of God's blessings. Our deepest sympathy to his wife Jean and family for their loss. Jackie and Roark Cox.
John and Pauline Renaud
July 27, 2021
Farewell to a good friend and next door neighbor . Chris would help us with his tractor around the yard, opening our driveway during a snow storm, never asking for anything in return, working on the family vehicles for many years. Whether out in the yard or at Tire Town we would discuss our children growing up and then our grandkids. Chris had a keen sense of humor that always put a smile on your face . A real class act. We will miss you my friend. Our deepest sympathies are with Jean, Mandy, Alyssa, Abby and the entire family.
Robert Bergin
July 26, 2021
Chris was a Man of Men. I personally shared numerous conversations about our children and watching them grow up. Excellent business man, honest to the core. Prayers for a special family.
Leonard Shetensky
July 26, 2021
Chris was an honest business man, I was his customer since 1974. He always made me laugh when I came to Tire Town. He was a man of his word, who will be missed. My sympathy to his family and friends.
Lee and Arline Tuttle
July 26, 2021
Chris was such a beloved member of our family, we will miss him so very much! We have so many wonderful memories of Chris; our vacations together, the many family holidays, and who can ever forget the Tire Town Invitational tennis and ball games! But most memories that come immediately to mind revolve around his fabulous sense of humor and his subtle way of delivering a joke. His integrity, generosity and hard work ethic, are only a few of his wonderful qualities. We know he is resting in peace and he will always live in our hearts.
Ronald Davies
July 26, 2021
Jean and family, I just heard of Chris’ passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Chris made taking my cars for repair fun as we would talk about anything and everything. He loved coming to Abby’s softball games and standing as far away in right field as he could so as to not make her nervous while pitching. And finally he and I both shared something very special, the little red Mazda Miata named Stewy! Chris will always be fondly remembered. Ron, Joanne and family.
Michael Geraghty
July 26, 2021
I was introduced to Chris by my brother Jim who always used Tire Town. Chris was a great person to do business with and was always very friendly and eager to talk. He will be missed tremendously! My condolensces to Jean and the rest of the family!
Bill Cummings
July 26, 2021
Chris, you were my first mechanic after I moved to town, and I always trusted you. You never ever let me down. I'm sorry for your cancer battle. I wish you eternal Rest in Peace, my friend. You were always such a gentleman. I think your deep voice instilled confidence in your clients, as it did with me.
Go with God, and may God bless you!
The Staff of George R. Rivet Funeral Home
August 1, 2021
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Karen Matte
July 25, 2021
Chris was such an amazing guy. He will be missed
Joe & Nancy LaPaglia
July 25, 2021
We extend our sincere condolences to the Yonkin family.
I first met Chris when he assumed ownership of Tire Town. Chris was a person my entire family trusted for being honest and fair with our automotive needs.
Over the thirty years we lived in Merrimack our friendship grew. I spent many hours discussing sports , politics and horse racing ,in the small waiting room, with other town residence.
Chris was a giant of a man that will be missed.
Sandy Hulse
July 25, 2021
So sad that this Town Icon and super nice person has passed. Chris was a generous person with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by so many. Love to you all
Sue and Doug Bennett
July 25, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers to you Jean, Mandy, Alyssa and Abby. He was a great man. And will be missed. He took such good care of so many of us in town.
Sue and Doug
Barry Lebens
July 25, 2021
Chris and I were friends for many MANY years, Anytime I was in the Tire Town Office we always had Great conversations. I will miss him for as long as I live. Jean, I am soo sorry for your loss. Be Weil My dear. My Best to you and all of yours . . .
Craig Hugger
July 24, 2021
Dear Jean and Family, I was saddened to hear that Chris has passed away. He always took good care of me whenever our cars or truck were in need of repair. As I too played Division 3 college football and baseball, and were both avid NY Yankee fans, we always had plenty to talk about. Chris’ humor always made me laugh too. He once said that the Hobart football team was so bad, that it enabled him to break an NCAA record, having played in more football Homecoming games than any college gridiron player in history. He also always razzed me often about our large property on Wire Road where my wife Jan enjoyed her horses and I didn’t enjoy at all all of the work it involved. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss. Be well and take good care of one another. As Always, Craig
Patrick Moran Sr.
July 24, 2021
My sincerest condolences to the Yonkin family. I knew Chris when Tire Town first opened. Him and I were great baseball fans. He loved the Yankees and I the Red Sox. But, we discussed many things at the garage where I went to have work done on my automobiles. A very kind and generous man. I will miss him and our conversations. Rest in peace my friend.
Sincerely,
Patrick Moran Sr.
Kristen (Delude) Wolfe
July 24, 2021
Jean, Mandy, Alyssa and Abby you are all in my thoughts during this difficult time. Chris was such a good man. He was so helpful and kind to me with my cars when I was young. I enjoyed our chats at Tire Town and will remember him fondly. He will be missed
Elaine Brisson
July 24, 2021
It is with deep sorry that I learned of Chris' death. My husband and I became Tire Town customers after moving to Merrimack and met Chris 38 years ago. Whenever I left my auto for repair I would just say to him, "if it needs it fix it." I trusted him that much! Chris always had the best stories to tell and time would fly by sitting in the waiting room just talking with him. He will be greatly missed by all.
Craig Salvucci
July 24, 2021
Chris is one person in Merrimack I will always remember. Generous, funny, and always a story. He would often get worked up sharing stories of his Vegas trips. (Many times Red Sox & Yankees banter). In the early 90's Chris helped me set up a fleet maintenance program for a company I worked for and we've been patrons of Tire Town for years to come until he retired. Of course in the early years of opening my business my vehicles were always in need of help and Chris would help me manage through the expense. A few times putting cars up on the lift to inspect before my kids bought their used cars. I often think of Chris when I drive by on Naticook, wondering how he's been getting along. Our deepest sympathies to his family. He will be sorely missed.
Joy Whitaker
July 24, 2021
Chris was a wonderful businessperson and man. I knew him as my "car guy" for years and always was treated honestly and ethically - with a niceness to him that was so appreciated. My deepest condolences on your loss.
Pauline Landrigan
July 23, 2021
A most generous, man with a rye sense of humor. He used to pretend frustration with me for bringing Alyssa into the love of theater world. Chris left his mark in his warm interactions.
Jim & Lorraine Cuozzo
July 23, 2021
Have known Chris for 35 years, not just as a customer, but also a friend. We knew him to be a man of integrity, complete honesty and absolute fairness. If Chris said we needed a repair, we never questioned the work nor the cost. He was someone you could trust. His word was always good enough. Even after my kids moved away, they would often bring their cars back to Chris.
Over time, Chris became our friend as well as our mechanic. He was thoroughly devoted to his family and just an all around solid citizen. It was a pleasure to patronize his business and just chat for a while. Chris treated people as friends.
On more than one occasion, Chris reflected that the town of Merrimack had been very good to him. In reality, it’s been men such has Chris who have made Merrimack such a great place to live. He will always be a legend to those of us who knew him.
Chris was a wonderful guy, a friend and a fine human being. We will miss him. Our sincerest condolences to Jean and his entire family.
Leanne Ball
July 23, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Chris was a great guy. Thinking of you all.
Gerry St. Amand
July 23, 2021
Everyone in our family will always have fond memories of Chris and his cordial and welcoming demeanor. Chris treated all of his Tire Town customers as personal friends and neighbors. He will be missed.
Claire Graham
July 23, 2021
I am so sorry to hear that Chris passed away. He was a wonderful and kind person. Hold tight to your memories. I know he is looking down on you and smiling
Meg Hamm
July 23, 2021
Bob and I will remember Chris with great fondness. He was a special member of our community and someone we relied on for honest, reliable help. We enjoyed chatting with him as he always had a pleasant demeanor.
Sandy and Herb Hall
July 23, 2021
Our sincerest Condolences for your loss. Chris was a wonderful and caring man who was very caring and helpful, especially to my mother before she passed. He was always asking after her. He also kept up with my husband’s father.
Bruce Moreau
July 23, 2021
Such sad news this afternoon. My condolences to the Yonkin family. He retired about the same time as me. I loved the times I would stop by the garage early mornings and shoot the breeze over a cup of coffee. RIP Chris.
Diane & Kevin Lonergan
July 23, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Chris was someone you could trust. He always made time for us whenever we had a problem with one of the cars and one time, when Kristen was at MHS and she couldn’t get her car started, he went up there to check on her. He was an all-around good and great guy.
Pennylee & Tom McEnaneyMcEnaney
July 23, 2021
So sorry to hear your husband & fathers passing! You always have your memories to look on of all the wonderful times you shared together!
Kelly Lowe
July 23, 2021
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dickie & Adrien Labrie
July 23, 2021
We Are so Very Sorry For Your Loss.Sending Prayers & Much Love During This Very Difficult Time . Chis Was Always so Kind & So Good to Everyone ....Even My Mom When she was Living and Had Lost My Dad....He Didnt Know Her ..But Took Good Care of Her and Her Car ...Just an All Round Good Guy ! May he Rest In Eternal Peace
Brian Goulet
July 23, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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