Obituary of Bernard J. Yannelli

Our world lost one of the most devoted fathers, loving husbands and avid golfers on Saturday, January 6, 2024. Our hearts are broken. Bernard "Benny" J. Yannelli , 83, of Cincinnati, Ohio, formerly of Greentown, PA and his hometown of Hackensack, NJ, was the loving husband of Phyllis Yannelli (nee Skok). He was the cherished father of Carmen Yannelli (Ruth) and Anne Marie Garrett (Mike); Beloved grandfather of Ben, Rachel and Vincent Yannelli, Megan and Allison Garrett; Loyal brother of Richard Yannelli (Marie 2022) and John Yannelli (Angela). Ben is also survived by Phyllis' daughters Terry Bell (John), Patty Boosveld (Todd) and grandchildren Shawn and Corey Boosveld. Phyllis and Ben were high school sweethearts and reconnected later in life and went on to marry and spend 17 years together, enjoying their friends and blended family. Phyllis will forever cherish these years. Her family feels very fortunate to have had Ben in their lives and takes comfort in all the kindness, love and joy he brought to them. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 39 years Lucille (nee Furnari) Yannelli (2003) and their son Anthony Yannelli (2021). Ben and Lucille's legacy of love continues to grow, inspire, and provide an example of the way a life should be lived. An early athlete, Ben represented Hackensack as catcher in the 1952 Little League World Series, helping Hackensack get to the semi-finals. Ben was a true Comet, graduating from Hackensack High School in 1958 where he excelled in both football and golf. He was inducted into the HHS Sports Hall of Fame for his football achievements. Ben proudly served in the Navy from 1959 to 1962 aboard the submarine tender USS Orion. With pride, Ben served with the Hackensack Fire Department for 30 years working alongside his brother Rick. He, as most firemen do, worked a multitude of part time side jobs to provide the best life for his family. He retired as a well respected Battalion Chief in 1994. Throughout his life, whether golfing at Paupack Hills, participating in prayer groups/CYO at Holy Trinity or camping at Rogers Rock, Ben continued to make great friends that would also become forever family. He was so grateful for all of you. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Woods Services in Langhorne, PA via their online donation page OR by mail to: Woods Services c/o Development Office P.O. Box 36 Langhorne, PA 19047-0036 The Funeral Service will begin 10:00 AM, on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack. Burial will follow at George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery, Paramus. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 – 6:00 PM for visitation at the funeral home. To send condolences, directions or further information visit http://www.gentilefuneralservice.com