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By Ron P. Coderre
The news of the death of Steve Yakis shocked the Putnam and Northeastern Connecticut area. Although he had battled a serious illness years ago, his strength and determination had carried him through that battle. To be taken from his sons and friends at age 47 was too young.
Memories of Yakis go back to Putnam High School in the early 1980’s. A gentle giant would be the best way to describe him as a Clipper basketball player. Tipping the scale at about 6’5” and more than 200 pounds, Yakis was a reliable rebounder and steady scorer for the Putnam teams coached by Tony Falzarano and Dave Vitale.
“Steve can best be described as a good guy,” said Vitale in a somber voice. “He was part of a great group of kids who came through the program in that era. They were good athletes, who were serious but enjoyed the competiveness of the game because they had great camaraderie.”
In real life, Yakis was an engineer at Pratt & Whitney, where he was described by co-workers and friends as a very intelligent and hard working individual. Despite his positive attitude and solid work ethic, he wasn’t above a good joke and a few laughs, which made him the successful person that he was.
“A genuine person,” is the best way I can describe Steve, noted Marc Coderre, Sr. who worked in the same lab with Yakis at Pratt & Whitney. “He was a one of a kind individual who was always full of life. Despite his health problems he always had a smile and never complained,” said Coderre.
As a father Steve received great satisfaction in coaching his sons in basketball and baseball. As they say, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” As a young man, Steve’s late father Andreas always attended his son’s games and reveled in the success Steve enjoyed as a player. He’s now in a place with his dad where they can reminisce about the good memories he provided for his father.
Rest in peace, Steve Yakis. You were taken from everyone too early in life.By Ron P. Coderre
The news of the death of Steve Yakis shocked the Putnam and Northeastern Connecticut area. Although he had battled a serious illness years ago, his strength and determination had carried him through that battle. To be taken from his sons and friends at age 47 was too young.
Memories of Yakis go back to Putnam High School in the early 1980’s. A gentle giant would be the best way to describe him as a Clipper basketball player. Tipping the scale at about 6’5” and more than 200 pounds, Yakis was a reliable rebounder and steady scorer for the Putnam teams coached by Tony Falzarano and Dave Vitale.
“Steve can best be described as a good guy,” said Vitale in a somber voice. “He was part of a great group of kids who came through the program in that era. They were good athletes, who were serious but enjoyed the competiveness of the game because they had great camaraderie.”
In real life, Yakis was an engineer at Pratt & Whitney, where he was described by co-workers and friends as a very intelligent and hard working individual. Despite his positive attitude and solid work ethic, he wasn’t above a good joke and a few laughs, which made him the successful person that he was.
“A genuine person,” is the best way I can describe Steve, noted Marc Coderre, Sr. who worked in the same lab with Yakis at Pratt & Whitney. “He was a one of a kind individual who was always full of life. Despite his health problems he always had a smile and never complained,” said Coderre.
As a father Steve received great satisfaction in coaching his sons in basketball and baseball. As they say, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” As a young man, Steve’s late father Andreas always attended his son’s games and reveled in the success Steve enjoyed as a player. He’s now in a place with his dad where they can reminisce about the good memories he provided for his father.
Rest in peace, Steve Yakis. You were taken from everyone too early in life.