Arthur S. Yanke II's Obituary
Arthur S. Yanke II, “Ottie”, 64, of Ashford, CT, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. He was born on January 30, 1958 in Norwich, CT, son of the late Arthur Yanke and the late Joan (Appleton) Catlin. He leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Linda (Brodeur) Yanke; children Lindsay Yanke, Arthur “Sterling” Yanke III and his love Allison Morande, Luke Yanke and wife Lily; his beautiful “Apple of His Eye” granddaughter, Isabella Rose; a sister, Anna (Beth) Longalucco and husband, Michael; Uncle Huey; Aunt Edythe Appleton; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Art started his career managing jewelry stores, assisting customers with designing their forever wedding bands. In the mid 80’s, Art began working in veterinary pharmaceutical sales. He was on the frontlines of the groundbreaking vaccines for Feline FIV and Lyme disease. Art concluded his career as a Veterinary Equipment Specialist with Patterson Veterinary. Art’s hardworking, caring, helpful personality shined in his work. He always went the extra mile to help coworkers, veterinarians, staff; there wasn’t anything he wasn’t willing to do.
Art's love for motorcycles was “beyond” and was shared with his family. Linda and Lindsay were his number one fans as he raced Netra Hare Scrambles in the late 80s and early 90s. He passed on the love of racing motorcycles to his sons. The Yanke Family spent over 10 years, every weekend, traveling and racing enduros, hare scrambles, and motocross. Another passion was buying, riding then trading in unique brands of motorcycles (foreign or American made). His family and friends never knew what he would be riding next.
His family always knew how much he loved them and how proud he was of them, because he told them every chance he got. His pride for his home kept him busy for many hours. You would often find him outside building stonewalls, maintaining the yard and always “straightening out the garage”. His love for sharing stories will leave us all with huge smiles and hearty laughs. He was a true gentleman. Art persevered and gave whatever it was he was doing his best. He was everyone's favorite Uncle who loved to do or have special things for the young or old when visiting.
The past 2 ½ years has been a very trying time for all but in Art’s world he was battling the biggest challenge of all. Through this time he continued to work, live and love us all as normal. His fortitude was larger than life and being the strong man he was, he fought the battle until the end. Sincere thank you to the following doctors and staff: Dr Ayaz Madraswalla, Dr. Timothy Hong, Dr. Michael Cecchini, Hartford Hospital Hospice and staff.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 from 4 PM to 7 PM at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 64 Pompey Hollow Rd., Ashford, CT. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102-5037. To leave a message of sympathy for the family, or for directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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