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