"The Santini's of the Fairfield Class of 1973 are saddened by Mike's passing. Grateful to have seen him at our 50th Reunion. "
In loving memory of
Michael Andrew Yates
May 26, 1951 - July 18, 2023
Michael Andrew Yates, 72, of Middletown, Rhode Island, died on July 18, 2023.
Born in Newport, RI on May 26, 1951, He was the son of George and Elsie (Tabb) Yates.
Michael was a major part of the community, touching so many lives over his time on this earth. He wore lots of hats (literally, LOTS of hats), as an amazing father, coach, mentor, friend and so much more within this community. The overwhelming support shown thus far has been amazing and his family cannot begin to express how much your words, pictures, and stories have helped throughout this time. Please continue to share the stories and memories. The impact he made during his time can carry on long after.
Michael is survived by his son; Zachary Yates and his wife, Caitlin, of Naples, FL, and his siblings; Serena Douglas, Elsie Goodrum and David Yates.
Michael is preceded in death by his parents George, Sr. and Elsie Yates, and his brother, George Yates, Jr.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 12:00-2:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Funeral Services for Mr. Yates will immediately follow in the funeral home at 2:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike's memory may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County, https://www.bgcnewport.org/
To view the livestream of Mr. Yates' service, please click here https://link.memorial/michaelyates
Tributes
"A Man who touched many!! Thoughts & prayers to All"
"Great memories with Mike, rocking out to the Mixed Breed at the old Canteen, hanging out at the Tavern, playing ball against him in various basketball leagues. Always with a great smile and laugh Mike was most of all a great guy. RIP Mike. Rick Weibust"
"sorry for your loss and my condolences may michael Yates rest in peace"
"When I think of Mike Yates, the Boys & Girls Club is always connected. He was a fair man who let you know when you were out of line. Kicked me out of boys club dance once because we were practicing dance moves in the bathroom. But the most and best memories are Mike refereeing Flo Harvey. He had a quick whistle for the T, him and Eric. But they always tell you afterword how much they love you, just don't argue with them over calls "
"The Yates Family, I?ve just learned of Mikes passing and send my deepest and sincere condolences to the family! I knew the Yates family years back from Rogers High school with George Jr, and Mike being great athletes along with being great people. Mike,especially,always had a huge smile every time we talked! I can?t believe what?s happened!! Again accept my Prayers?..Jeff Field"
"I was saddened to hear of Mike?s passing. I have known Mike since our little league baseball days and we had great times during our school years especially at Roger?s High School I enjoyed many Friday nites watching you play basketball for Roger?s and following your baseball career. Rest in Peace my friend."
"Mike was in and out of my life in many positive ways. As a young kid he was my counselor at the Boys Club Camp my brother and I attended. As a young adult Some of the best times I had was playing against and with him in the City softball league. He would attend many of our events at the Newport Yachting Center and volunteer to bring community kids from the North end to skate on our rink. Most recently we worked together at the Newport Boys Club summer camp and North End Club. Always happy encouraging and a great leader. I am honored to have known him and Dave. He will be in my prayers. "
"Mike was always very gracious and good to me. I loved my time bartending with him, playing on the softball team with him, and just talking with him. Hie always picked me up when I was down. Tom Raffa. "
"I was extremely saddened to hear of Mike?s passing I graduated with Mike from Roger?s High School and will always remember the great times we had I enjoyed all those Friday nite basketball games watching you play! An outstanding basketball player and awesome pitcher! Rest in Peace my friend. "
"I was saddened to hear of Mike?s passing. While I was a fellow Rhode Islander I was 2 years older so our baseball paths never crossed in the state. Frankly being from Cranston?Newport was on the other side of the bay and not a place we frequented in any baseball leagues we played in. However we both ended up at Fairfield and I remember him as a competitive pitcher and a guy with a great attitude and ready to pitch Day 1 as a Freshman. From reading some of the other tributes I get the sense he touched many lives as a coach, teacher and mentor. He made a positive difference and I hope his family will get some solace from his accomplishments as expressed by those he touched. Ken Lanifero"
"I will miss Michael's beautiful smile! Marion Crutchfield"
"Photo below ? me and Mike at 10 or 11, with Mr Yates our coach. Frankly, I can?t really think of a time in my 72 years when I have not called Mike ?friend? - but really more like ?brother?. I could fill volumes telling stories of our adventures- we rolled through Thompson, Rogers, Fairfield together. Me and the 2 Mikes ( ?Yatsey and Woody). Mike?s athletic ability and ? never met a stranger? personality are well known. But few people really understand how SMART he was ? his math aptitude was extraordinary- I was an idiot next to him!! Mike was a ? giver?, he never hesitated to give his time and energy to a friend. It was impossible to have a bad day when you with Mike. Our world was better because of Mike, and though I will dearly miss Mike, I will always smile when I think of him? God, I wish I could catch one more pitch from him, shoot a few hoops at ?the Rich?, or share a beer at the ?Driftwood?. Semper Fi, my brother!"
"I can not remember a time in my life when I did not call Mike my friend. His dad, Big George, coached our little league team, and we stayed close friends , even roommates throughout college. We all know what a superb athlete he was, that he ?never met a stranger?, and that he lived to coach and ? give back?. But, few people know what an incredible ?math mind? he had. His intellect was amazing . I could fill volumes with stories of our ?adventures ?, and will treasure all those memories. Mike , to me, is best remembered as a ?giver?. He gave freely of himself to his friends - asking nothing in return. What I would not give to catch for him just once more!! Mike Yates ? the world is better for you having lived among us, and I will miss you dearly. "
"I would like to share a little bit about Mike and his athletic prowess.. We graduated from Rogers in 1969 where Mike was voted top athlete. He was the captain and star player on the basketball and baseball teams. He went to Fairfield University where he was a standout relief pitcher for 4 years. The Atlanta Braves drafted him in 1973. When he went to Atlanta to sign his contract, he threw batting practice to the great Hank Aaron. After 2 years in the minors he returned home and started for Paddock in the Sunset League and Packer Braman in the City Basketball League. Later he began coaching Zach?s teams and eventually had a great career coaching basketball and baseball at Middletown and Rogers.He continued coaching his beloved Middletown Girls Team until illness forced him to reluctantly step down. Mike Wood"
"One other memory of Mike was when we needed a fifth runner for our cross country team, Mike volunteered for the 5.3 mile race. I told him not to drink too many beers otherwise he might get sick. Well, he started the race and did get sick but a real trooper, he finished as well. A real strong spirit he lives on in my heart. "
"I went to school with Mike. He always had a smile on his face and positive words for everyone. I live in Cincinnati now but I would always look forward to seeing Mike at the Sportsmen club when I would be in Newport for a visit with my family. Rest in Peace Mike. "
"As my suite mate Michael was always a gentleman and fun to be with. One of his best hats was The Stag. He wore it proudly and would even give autographs to the kids who attended the basketball games. As a baseball player he was outstanding and as a math major, I wish I had learned more from him . You could always count on Mike for laughs and excitement. I?ll miss him dearly but his legacy will sustain. Bob ?The Duke? Kunces"
"Mike, Was a mentor to so many kids in Newport. I first met Mike at the boys and girls club in Newport in the 80?s. Every once in a while, I?d see him around town, and I always made sure to let him know that he had an affect on my life as a young man and many more kids. He was a very caring and compassionate man. He will be missed by all."