David Yates

SOUTHBRIDGE - David Yates, 83, passed away peacefully at UMass Medical Center in Worcester on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Born in Southbridge, he was the son of the late Colin and Evelyn (Sarty) Yates.

David graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School in 1959 where he was an accomplished athlete in baseball and gymnastics. In both his junior and senior years, he was the State Champion in the tumbling event. He was inducted into the Tantasqua Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 for both baseball and gymnastics. David continued his education at UMass Amherst, where he was a star member of the gymnastics team. In his senior year he was selected as co-captain and voted most valuable team member.

He was a highly skilled brick mason working throughout the Boston area and Worcester County. He was a member of the Brick Layers Association in Boston. He loved his trade and did not fully retire until recently.

David lived in the Waltham area for many years where his grandchildren were the joy of his life. When he moved back to the Sturbridge area, he became a member of the Hemlock Ridge Golf Course where he made many wonderful friends. He served on the Tournament Committee and ran the Quota League. When he was not working, he was on the golf course. He also liked to travel to Florida, particularly in Winter, to play golf. But his favorite trips were to Nova Scotia where he enjoyed exploring the countryside and learning about his Sarty heritage from family members there.

David is survived by his brother Kenneth Yates and his wife Robin of Spencer, his sister Deborah Bachand, her husband David of Holland, his nephews Cory Yates of Spencer, Darren Yates and his wife Heather of Sturbridge, and Jeffrey Bachand and his wife Ashleigh of Attleboro. He also leaves his grand nieces and nephews Collin Yates, Grace, George, and Eleanor Bachand.He is also survived by his family who called him “Grampy”; Jack Tehan (Charlene) of Waltham, Joe Tehan (Kerry) of Wayland, Rob Tehan (Sandra) of Waltham, John Foster (Sonia) of Hudson, David Foster (Kim) of Norwell, Darleen Pratt (Brad) of Waltham, Katey Frisiello (Tom) of Waltham and 15 great-grandchildren.David will also be missed by dear friends Sandra Tehan, his Hemlock golf friends, his golf partner Peg Krukowski, and his Monday night card group.

Calling Hours will be held from 1 to 3 PM on Saturday, November 1 at the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, located at 51 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Palmer Memorial Captains Cup, Scholarship Fund, at Southbridge Credit Union Acct #3012974-70.

A guestbook and tribute video will be available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com.