Dale Yates

Dale Yates, 87, of Jeannette, died Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at his beloved home of 47 years. He was born Oct. 18, 1934, in Rillton, a son of the late Joshua A. and Laura C. (Gondean) Yates. He graduated from Sewickley High School and went on to work for Femco, Penn Electric and Bettis Atomic Plant in West Mifflin before ending a 35-year career as an electrical draftsman at Allegheny Power. He was first and foremost a devoted husband, father and grandfather who spent many years coaching recreational baseball. His first love was music, and over the years, he played for many local bands. Early on, he formed a band of young people in Rillton, as well as teaching piano and organ. Later, he played in many orchestras, including the VelvaTones, Buddy Kirk, Bobby Dale, Penn Trafford Community Band, their jazz orchestra, the Delmont Concert Band and the Greensburg Citizens' Band, which he later transformed into the Moonlighters. Later, he joined the Wally Gingers Orchestra. He was a member of Harrold Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Dale is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marjorie (Wisser) Yates; three sons, Tim (Barb) Yates, of Lewis Center, Ohio, Justin (Amanda) Yates, of Oakdale, and Michael (Janice) Yates, of Canonsburg. He was grandfather to Timmy (Meredith), Ryann, Alexis Josh and Laelyn; and great-grandfather to Preston. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St., Irwin, 724-863-1200, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday. Private interment will be in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to Wounded Warriors.