Frank Yellam
January 21, 1922 - October 10, 2007
Obituary
Frank YELLAM Sr.
Age 85 of Burien died suddenly and peacefully on October 10 at home. He was born to Italian immigrants, Domenic and Florence Fabbio Yellam, in Seattle where he lived his entire life. He graduated from Cleveland High School in 1940. He was very active in sports—soccer, floor hockey, softball, basketball, and football. He received a scholarship and attended the repertory playhouse at the University of Washington until WWII called him into the Navy. He spent four years in the Navy as a first-class petty officer.
He owned and operated “Frankie Boy Produce” company for 60 years, going to the warehouse three days a week in his later years. He actively participated in bowling, bocci, and golf until the day he died. He was a lifetime member of Burien Elks and Renton Sons of Italy. Frank loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was old fashioned and he cherished Italian traditions.
He is survived by his loving wife Babe Vacca of 61 years whom he met at Angle Lake when dances were 5 cents; children, Patty Keith Barber, Donna Gary Hansen, and Frank Jr.; 10 grandchildren and spouses; 5 great grandchildren; brother Mike ShirleyYellam; sister Theresa Dick Lytle; sisters-in-law, Annie Yellam, Irene and Betty Vacca, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother John Yellam. He will be missed forever.
Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 16, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 15236 21st Avenue SW, Seahurst 98062 with viewing at Washington Memorial on Saturday 1-5, Sunday 10-4, and Monday 9-8 and-before Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish or Burien Fire Department. Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Babe and their wonderful family during this difficult time. We were neighbors of Babe & Frank for many years on Des Moines Way and our children grew up with these wonderful folks. We have so many great memories of his great sense of humor, kindness to our children teaching them golf in his backyard, and just being their friend when they were growing up. We enjoyed seeing both of you during a Seattle trip and Frank told us he prayed for our family every night which was so like him. May you find comfort in all those great memories of Frank as your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and there have to be sooo many. We love you all.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Babe and their wonderful family during this difficult time. We were neighbors of Babe & Frank for many years on Des Moines Way and our children grew up with these wonderful folks. We have so many great memories of his great sense of humor, kindness to our children teaching them golf in his backyard, and just being their friend when they were growing up. We enjoyed seeing both of you during a Seattle trip and Frank told us he prayed for our family every night which was so like him. May you find comfort in all those great memories of Frank as your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and there have to be sooo many. We love you all.
Dear Yellam Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Frank in all of our lives. I will always remember his jokes and funny antics as he teased all of us.
Prayers are with you for strength and healing during this time.
God bless,
Erica Gower
I attend St. Francis of Assisi Church in Seahurst Wa. where Frank and his wife are parishoners. I would always see them in church. Frank always had a smile on his face and would always say hello to everyone. I know that I will truly miss seeing him. He was loved by everyone that met him. I hope he is happy with God in heaven.
Enjoyed getting to know Frank through our bowling team. He was a wonderful man. Came to find out that he went to high school with my mother and uncles. Small world. Will miss Frank and his sense of humor. May he rest in peace with our Lord.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Frank. Growing up on Thistle Street, I can’t remember a South Park story that did not involve the name “Yellam” all good and funny stories, too. When I think of South Park and my parents, John and Elsie, I’ll think of Frank, too.
i will miss you uncle frank!:-
Frank was a good friend of our family Verdi. We will all miss him a lot. Our love and best wishes to his family.
Our humble condolenses to the Yellam family, & to Babe,& Michael Yellam
Lee & Ana Arellano
Frank and my father were business together over 60 years ago and remained close friends these many years. In resent years our family at the honor of knowing Frank during yearly visits at the Soldier’s Home in Orting where my father lived. We also looked forward to these visits and will miss them a lot. Our thoughts and prayers and love go out to Frank’s family at this time.
I remember Frank fondly for his friendly ways. Babe and the family will be in my prayers .
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Gloria Jobs
I will always remember Frankie for brightening up our Tuesday night golf league. You could always count on him for a kind word and a good laugh, and most weeks winning the putt pool. He will be missed and remembered.
We are so sorry and surprised to hear of Franks death.
We understand death for the first time when he puts his hand upon one whom we love,but our lord has written the promise of resurrection,not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.
Frank will be greatly missed.
God Bless to all the Yellam Family
Vince and Joy Ianniciello
Frank was the “BEST” and will be missed by all who knew him.
Don Morrison
Cleveland High School
Class of l940
I will all miss Uncle Frank so much. He was always so funny and kind. It never failed everytime I saw him he always asked me if I knew my A,B,Cs yet!
Auntie Babe,Patty,Donna and Frankie Jr. my thoughts and prayers are with each of you and your families during this very difficult time.
May God Bless You
Love
Roxy
Best wishes to Frank’s survivors and
fond memories of all the times I shared with Frank.