Ronald J. Yehl

Mr. Ronald J. Yehl, age 71, of Wilson Street, Salamanca, New York died Friday evening, July 1, 2011 shortly after being admitted to Olean General Hospital, Olean, New York.

Born on August 4, 1939 in Buffalo, New York he was the son of the late Edward and Julia Boza Yehl. He was married on October 21, 1961 in the former St. Patrick's Church to the former Patricia Young who survives.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Seabees.

Mr. Yehl was employed as the Housing Manager for Salamanca Housing Authority prior to his retirement. Previously, he had been employed at the New York State Division of Youth in Great Valley, New York.

He was Mayor of Salamanca for 5 terms in the 1970's and early 1980's. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish and a member of their Mr. & Mrs. Club. He was a member of the Salamanca Chamber of Commerce, the Bicentennial Committee, Holy Cross Athletic Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296, American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535, former member of the Salamanca Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1002, member and past president of the Salamanca JayCees where he was awarded NYS Outstanding Young Man of the Year. He was a member of the All Sports Booster Club, Sabers Boosters, Gridiron Club, he was an Eagle Scout. He was vice president of the 219 Association. He was a member of Salamanca Youth Activities where he coached Little League Baseball, Basketball and Football. He was instrumental in starting the All Sports Booster Club and the Academic Booster Club. He spearheaded building the house for the 3 handicapped Stephen's boys, he was the volunteer in charge of rebuilding the Salamanca Public Library and restoring the now Ray Evans Theater, he designed and oversaw the building of the Citizen's Arch across Main Street for the County Bicentennial, was a member of the Salamanca Historical Society, and was a coach for Odyssey of the mind. He received the 2009 Salamanca Applauds Helping Hands Award (Outstanding Area Volunteer) given by the Salamanca Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Salamanca High School Super Fan Award. He was a referee for football and track. He enjoyed watching all of his children and grandchildren's activities.

Surviving besides his wife are: 5 sons, Robert (Debbie) Yehl, Salamanca, New York, Randy Yehl, Fairport, New York, Rick (Sarah) Yehl, Bath, New York, Ryan (Brisa) Yehl, San Diego, California, Roger (Mary Ann) Yehl, Interlaken, New Jersey; 2 daughters, Penny (Steve) Beattie, Salamanca, New York, Pam Yehl, Rochester, New York; 13 grandchildren; Courtney Yehl, Ryanne Yehl,, both of Salamanca, NY, Mitchell Yehl, Matthew Yehl, Fairport NY, Olivia Beattie, Sydnie Beattie, Tadd Beattie, Salamanca, NY, Nathan Yehl, Justin Yehl, both of Bath, NY, Claudia Reed, Clint Reed, both of Rochester, NY, Katherine Yehl, Christopher Yehl, Interlaken, NJ; a brother, Richard (Lynne) Yehl, Salamanca, New York; a sister, Julie (Richard) Crist, Jamestown, New York; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Monday from 4 – 8 P.M.

A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 11 A.M. in Our Lady of Peace Parish with Rev. Patrick Melfi, pastor, and Rev. Joseph Porpiglia, as celebrants .

Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

The family suggests memorials to the Salamanca Historical Society

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.