Obituary - Joseph Sidney Yates
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YATES, Joseph S. (PopPop, Dad, Joe, Blue, Mr. Ump), died on September 18, 2023. Joe died knowing that he had led a blessed life with his Lord, family, and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney E. Yates and Evelyn Robertson Yates. He is survived by his son, Michael S. Yates (Hannah), and his daughter, Kathleen Y. Roundy (Kyle); and his grandchildren, Sydney Yates, Joseph David “JD” Yates, Allyson Roundy, and a soon-to-be grandson.
Joe started working when he was 12 delivering papers for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He then worked his way through VCU at GC Murphy Co., and at the Richmond News Leader. After graduating, he worked at the Richmond Times-Dispatch for 35 years. Joe finished his work career at the US Treasury Dept.
He loved playing SlowPitch Softball, and umpiring Ladies FastPitch Softball. Once his best friend, Charlie Abbott, introduced him to umpiring, it became his passion. He umpired numerous championship games in the VIS, VHSL, and ODAC NCAA.
Joe also served two terms on the New Kent School Board from 2004-2011. He enjoyed the time he served, and worked with great board members, Superintendents Roy Geiger and Rick Richardson, and the rest of the staff and teachers. During his tenure, the renovation of George Watkins ES was completed, a new New Kent High School was planned and completed, and a Vocation School was started in the renovated Historic High School.
After retirement, Joe volunteered at Let’s Go Services. He gave rides to people who needed them to doctor’s appointments, dialysis, and any other places the client needed to go. He also got re-involved with the Knights of Columbus, Council 395, volunteering in various endeavors to raise money for local charities.
Joe was a big sports fan. He had requested to be cremated with his Notre Dame Fighting Irish, New York Yankees, VCU Rams, VT Hokies, New Kent Trojans, and Tee Jay Vikings caps, and in his MROS umpiring uniform. Also, with his Knights of Columbus rosary.
Please join the family for a short memorial service at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Bliley’s – Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, VA 23230, where the family will receive friends immediately following until 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, New Church Building Fund at 2631 Pocahontas Tr., Quinton, VA 23141, or Let’s Go Services, PO Box 662, Sandston, VA 23150.
