Obituary of Richard York Yerrington

The Rev. Richard York Yerrington, age 85, husband of Penelope White Yerrington of Beacon Falls, died on January 15, 2016, at Bridgeport Hospital with his wife by his side. Born in Hartford on October 30, 1930, he was the only child of Charles B. and Lillian Y. Yerrington. Raised in Rocky Hill, he graduated from Wethersfield High School and then he served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. Following his time in the Reserves, he attended and graduated from Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, N.Y. where he received a certificate in advertising design. Rev. Yerrington then attended the University of CT and graduated with a B.A. of History. He then attended Yale Divinity School and graduated with a Bachelors of Divinity degree. Ordained by the United Methodist Church in 1960, Rev. Yerrington served the South Middletown U.M.C., was Pastor of Memorial U.M.C. of Avon, and was then Senior Pastor of Golden Hill United Methodist Church until 1995. Following his retirement from Golden Hill, he went on to serve as Chaplain of the United Methodist Homes of Shelton, was Interim Pastor of the Trumbull Congregational Church and most recently served as Associate Pastor of the Newtown U.M.C. Rev. Yerrington was a Past President of the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport and was active in many committees of the New York Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Salt water Artist Gallery of Pemaquid Point, ME. In addition to his wife of 50 years, his memory lives on in his children, Matthew B. (Kimberly) Yerrington of Beacon Falls, Adam H. (Amy D’Amaro) Yerrington of Shelton and Sarah L. (Lee) Porter of MD; grandchildren, Kaylee, Zackary and Madison Yerrington of Beacon Falls, Lily Yerrington of Shelton, and Xavier and Mara Porter of MD. A memorial service in celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Golden Hill United Methodist Church, 210 Elm St., Bridgeport. Family will greet visitors before the service and a reception will follow. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made to the Memorial Funds of the Avon, Golden Hill and Newtown United Methodist Churches. Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia is in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.