Philip F. Yates

SALEM - Mr. Philip F. Yates, 72, of Salem, beloved husband of Donna (Pezzulo) Yates, passed away on Monday, May 16th, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Robert and Mary (Crowley) Yates. He was a graduate of Salem High School. Philip proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and honorably discharged. Philip continued his education at Wentworth Institute of Technology where he received his degree in Electronics.

Phil had been employed by Unitrode an electronics company as a supervisor where he was known for his strong worth ethic and leadership skills. He later joined the United Postal Service in Reading, for over twenty years, prior to his retirement.

A lifelong resident of the City of Salem, Philip was dedicated to his family, community and was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Phil was well known in Salem as a volunteer, welcoming tourists, and locals alike. Politics were his passion and he enjoyed supporting local candidates and volunteering for their campaigns. Phil enjoyed his daily walks, sitting on a bench next to the Bewitched statue or at Salem Common watching and conversing with different people. He was an avid reader who enjoyed history. Philip was a quiet, caring, and gentle soul that people found endearing. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends.

In addition to his wife Donna with whom he shared 40 years of marriage, Philip is survived by his daughter, Erin Yates of Salem, his siblings, Maura Boudreau of Mesa, AZ and her late husband, Edward Boudreau, Susan Yates of Salem, Patricia LaBonte of Tucson, AZ, Robert Yates and his wife, Cindy of Peabody, Margaret Velardo and her husband, Joseph of Waltham and Leeann O’Neil and her husband, Kevin of Salem along with several nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq. (at Salem Common) SALEM on Sunday, May 22nd from 3 to 6 P.M. followed by his funeral service at 6:15 P.M. Burial is private. Expressions of sympathy may be made to a charity of one’s choice. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.            IF ORDERING FLOWERS, PLEASE NO LILIES.

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