Michael J. Yonta

Michael J. Yonta, 93, of South Manor Avenue, died Friday, June 6, 2014. Born in Kingston, he was a son of the late Dominick & Rose Weider Yonta. Michael served over 50 plus years on the Union Hose Fire Company, Kingston Council #275, Knights of Columbus, St. Mary's Benevolent Society, Joyce-Schirick Post 1386 and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He attended Kingston High School and St. Joseph's Church. In 1939 he was employed by the Cornell Steamboat Company as a licensed US Coast Guard Marine Diesel Engineer for All Waters. He spent most of his time on Cornell Tugboats 20, 21 and 41. He joined the Navy and served in World War II and the Korean War in the Pacific and Atlantic Waters. In 1946 he owned and operated the successful Mike Yonta Trucking business. During his semi-retirement he was the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for the Dental Group in Kingston. Michael enjoyed traveling, gardening, collecting antiques and old coins. Michael said, " If you want to live longer get involved in horseracing! It is great for your memory." He was still handicapping in his 90's. Michael is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nadja Yonta of Kingston, two sisters, Josephine Primo of Kingston and Jeanette Provenzano of Kingston, one brother, Donald Yonta and his wife Ginger of Kingston, two goddaughters, Sally DePoala and her husband Stephen of Saugerties and Diane Villano of Schenectady. Several nieces, nephews and godchildren also survive. In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by two sisters, Betty Spada and Viola Davide and three brothers, Thomas Yonta, Robert Yonta and Vincent Yonta, who was killed in the Korean Conflict. Michael will be reposing at the Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Sunday, June 8, 2014 from 3-7 PM. The St. Mary's Benevolent Society will conduct their service at 6 PM. The funeral procession will form from the funeral home on Monday at 9:00 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Church. Entombment, with military honors by Joyce-Schirick Post 1386 Color Guard, will follow in Wiltwyck Community Mausoleum. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the St. Mary's Benevolent Society, 196 North St. Kingston, NY 12401