Anthony M. Yannarella 1939-2020

Tony was born July 21, 1939, in Youngstown. He was a son of the late Dominic and Corsina Yannarella.

In 1962, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy and married his high school sweetheart, Nellie Jo Moses Yannarella.

He is survived by his wife and four children, Michael, Laura, Carol and Mark Yannarella. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Nicolette Bleacher of Youngstown, Ohio, and his very best friend and puppy, Little Bit.

Upon graduation, he cross-commissioned into the United States Air Force and spent the next 22 years in service to his country. His distinguished career included a yearlong tour in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He retired in 1984 as a Lieutenant Colonel and began teaching math at Saint Leo’s University and Hampton University. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church as well as the Elks and Moose Lodges, where he enjoyed spirited fellowship with his close friends.

The family will receive friends 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton, Va.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hampton, Va.

Condolences for and photos of Tony may be shared with the family through the funeral home website at https://www.rhaydensmith.com/obits.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations, in honor of Nellie Jo Yannarella, to the Alzheimer’s Association at shorturl.at/asHL8.

(special notice)