John Earl Yates
1935 – 2023

A Short Story of a Long Life

A familiar short story of a long, full life for friends and family. An introduction to an extraordinary man for those who didn’t have the pleasure of meeting, we invite you.

June 21, 1935, on the summer solstice, the first day of summer a son was born to Earl Yates and Mary Gertrude Pamplin Yates. John Earl Yates came into this world in a bedroom of the family’s home in Kansas City, Missouri. Four years later, Marilyn Elizabeth Yates Porterfield, his dear sister, was born.

His father had exceptional patience and musical ability that he passed on to his children. He worked as a baggage handler for the Railway Express and as an expert car mechanic. Mary Yates, a loving and involved mother, was a seamstress known for making quality custom curtains for those in the area. Earl Yates spent those early years building his family a small house on a dirt road in the town of Barry, Missouri. Water was hauled from a spring across the street, and it wasn’t until the early 1950s that an indoor bathroom and running water was added. 

Summertime was spent working on their large garden and playing in the vast area around their home. As a young boy, John would drive a tractor, helping on the farm. It’s unknown if John turned over the tractor in a ditch before or after the neighbor’s dog, Pete, sadly became peg leg Pete. Even with his early questionable driving skills, he went on to teach his sister how to drive the tractor. When time allowed, fishing, squirrel hunting, learning how to play the guitar given to him by his father and building custom balsa wood airplanes filled those long, hot midwestern days. These were early signs of what would become his lifelong passions.

As the days shortened and became cooler, the potatoes and onions were put up in the tater house.  John and his sister were responsible for catching and hanging the chickens on the clothesline for “processing.”  The beans and tomatoes were canned, and favorite dill and sweet pickles were made. The grape vines produced enough for homemade jelly. His mother’s cooking, especially her peach cobbler, has not yet been matched. School began during these last days of summer. Just down the road there was a two-room school house with four grades in each of two classrooms. John excelled in school, especially in math, skipping fifth grade and graduating high school at 16. During this time, he earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He shared many stories of his scout experiences and was very proud of his God and County badge. It would take him about a year to earn this coveted badge. By now he had learned the guitar well enough to play in local honkytonks with a band that he and his friends put together. They would sneak in until they were able to get special permission to play legally. The band had entered a talent show in which the winners would go on to perform at the Grand Old Opry; they came in second. It was then that he decided to change direction from music to focus on a college degree.

Again, John entered into a competition with first place receiving a scholarship to college. He came in second and decided to attend a local junior college, Metropolitan College, which was just down the road. He would attend school during the day and had progressed to playing gigs in Kansas City as a member of the Musician Union to earn money to pay for his education. Two years later, he was accepted to the University of Kansas. He commuted from home in an old car his father put together. All was well until the seat fell through the bottom of the rusted car. He found a wooden box to sit on and continued driving to and from school and his gigs.

In 1955, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and joined Midwest Research Institute in Kansas City. He would be an invaluable employee for seven years while working towards his Masters. In 1959, he received his Masters in Applied Mathematics from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. John’s father sold two acres of the farm to help pay for the last year of graduate school.  His manager and mentor at Midwestern Research Institute encouraged John to pursue his doctorate. With a new wife, Letha Gail Warren and three young children, he entered Stanford University in California earning his Doctorate in Aeronautical Sciences in 1966.

Dr. John E. Yates accepted a position with Aeronautical Research Associates of Princeton, NJ. He left Stanford with his family and embarked on a six week cross-county trip. The family visited many National Parks along the way, especially seeking out waterfalls, which were loved by John. The family settled in Princeton, NJ, in the summer of 1966.

John’s professional career would span six decades. The accolades and accomplishments increased in number and importance.  Some of the most notable projects would be his work on panel designs for the Saturn V rocket and other projects for NASA, the Navy, and the Air Force. He completed analysis of Fin Flutter on a currently flying supersonic missile. His most advance concept, the “DILLET” was tested on the model of the SEAWOLF class nuclear powered submarines. The “DILLET” was a device shown experimentally to reduce the intensity of the necklace interference vorticity.  His work was used in the analysis or design in over 260 vehicles. These included all of the current U.S. submarines, torpedoes, the Large Scale Vehicle, 75 towed vehicles, and 75 plus sonar vehicles. He would spend endless hours intently writing on his countless pads of graph paper. His children kindly referred to his work as “hieroglyphics,” which eventually filled 44 banker boxes of handwritten work. There was no need for his level of security clearance at home as we had no clue what it all meant. And yet, as brilliant as he was, John was unable to teach his children the classic freight train problem!

His intense professional work was balanced with his love of Barbershop singing. For 54 years he was fully invested with the society, as an active member with the Princeton Garden Statesmen, Hunterdon Harmonizers, Brothers’ in Harmony, and singing in several quartets. John’s contributions included being an assistant director, director, singing coach, and song arranger.

Later in life, John chose to stop performing due to the rigor of standing on risers for long periods of time. He would continue to support his chapters by traveling to Barbershop shows and
international competitions as moral support. In January of 2023, the Garden Statesmen inducted John into their Hall of Fame.

After his three children moved out and off the payroll, he immersed himself in new hobbies. These included windsurfing and restoring an 18th century home that he named The Vinca Farmstead at Ten Mile Run, an homage to his early years. He referred to his farm as his pre-Mozart home. Albeit a gentlemen’s farm, there was no garden or hanging chickens. Vinca Farmstead was a wonderful gathering place for friends and family. He would indulge his guests with his love of cooking, especially traditional Chinese cuisine, one of his many culinary explorations. He was, however, never able to convince his children that squirrel head soup and dumplings was delicious.

After retiring at the age of 75, he devoted his time to working on the farmstead. He would fully restore his 18th century home to last another 300 years. He would take pride in the park-like grounds that he reclaimed from being an overgrown horse pasture. Towards the later years of his life, John reignited his love of jazz guitar relearning his favorite jazz songs.

Family gatherings would include an awesome evening of working out songs to play with his son on bass and sons-in-law on sax and drums. He treasured these times with his family, as get-togethers with all three children were infrequent since they lived throughout the East Coast.

One of John admirable traits was his belief in giving. He contributed yearly to over 62 charities such as St. Jude’s, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Feed the Children, and many, many more. He knew he was fortunate and wanted to give back.

June 13, 2023, eight days shy of the summer solstice, the first day of summer, and John Earl Yates’ 88th birthday, he closed his eyes for the final time. Although he is no longer with us physically, the friendships he forged over the years will not be forgotten. Moreover, the values he instilled in his children of patience, kindness and humility will live on indefinitely.

John was pre-deceased by his parents Earl and Mary Yates and his ex-wife Gail Yates. He is survived by his sister Marilyn Porterfield and husband Larry of Missouri; his children, daughter Christine Young, husband Robert, and their daughter Dr. Jessica Young MD of Connecticut; daughter Karen Yates-King, husband Thomas, and their daughter Emily Rodriguez, husband Johan, and son Dr. Colin King MD, of Georgia; son John Yates, wife Stasia, and their son Jack and daughter Katie of Connecticut. Nephew Mark Carder and niece Brenda Kerrick-Gage, and three great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Penn Medicine and Princeton Medical Group for their kind care.

​A Celebration of Life will be held at Vinca Farmstead on September 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you plan to attend, please let us know by sending an email to johnyatescelebrationoflife@gmail.com.

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Priscilla Mary Katzeman Linsley

Priscilla Mary Katzeman Linsley, born in Girard, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1934, passed away peacefully Monday morning July 10, 2023 with family by her side in her home in Sun City, Florida. Priscilla forged many paths ahead of her time, including earning a Master’s in Library Science from Northern Illinois University in 1965. 

Priscilla was passionate and devoted to helping others personally and professionally, inspiring a career as a librarian and later as a grant writer for nonprofits. She was consistently involved in projects and programs that impacted many lives all over the world, some examples of which include: working on literacy in prisons, volunteering after Hurricane Katrina, serving on mission trips to Mexico and Nicaragua, planting olive trees in Palestine, and assisting more than 50 nonprofit agencies and working on special needs housing projects in her beloved city of Denver, Colorado. Priscilla was an avid traveler, establishing deep connections with the people and cultures of the places she went, while also being a self-proclaimed “I” (introvert) that loved playing bridge and hosting meals with family and friends.

Priscilla is survived by her loving daughters, granddaughters, and their husbands whom she loved dearly — Karen and David Miller, Lisa and Rick Little, Amy and Peter Gretsch, Anneliese and Bladimir Martinez, and Sarah Gretsch. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Charlotte Katzeman and her brother John Read Katzeman.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Sun City Methodist Church on Saturday, November 4 at 1 p.m. with an option to attend virtually. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Centurion Ministries, Sun City Methodist Church, or Friends of Sabeel-Colorado (mailed to Friends of Sabeel Colorado, P.O. Box 102504, Denver, Colorado 80250).

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Deborah (Debbie) Young Cook

Deborah (Debbie) Young Cook passed away peacefully at Gilchrist Hospice Center, Towson, MD, on August 15, 2023, where she was surrounded by family. She was predeceased by her parents Otto T. Young and Eleanor P. Young (Parke), her beloved husband of 51 years Theodore W. Cook, and her cherished son, Scott W. Cook. She was 73 years old. 

Debbie was born in Princeton, NJ, on July 30, 1950, and was raised in Rocky Hill, NJ, surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins and loved living in a small town. She believed that you could take the girl out of the small town, but you can’t take the small town out of the girl. She met her one true love, Ted, in this town one hot August day when they were 14 years old. Memories of her childhood and attendance at a two-room schoolhouse provided the values for her life and basis for her educational philosophy years later. Debbie attended Princeton High School (1968), received her BS from The College of New Jersey (1972), and MA from Rider University (1991) where she was awarded the Robert L. Foose Annual Graduate Award in Educational Administration.

A dedicated and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, she is survived by her son, Peter T. Cook and his wife Cathy, of Frankfort, IL; her daughter Dr. Kristin D. Cook, DDS and her husband, Adam Boozer of Elkridge, MD; her precious grandchildren and joys of her life, Hannah, Eleanor, Koal, Declan, Liam, Kaitlin; and her great-grandson Oliver. Also left to mourn her are those like daughters Heather Ireland of Stevenson, MD, and Kim Lant of Newark, NJ. Upon her retirement, Ted and Debbie relocated to Maryland to be nearer to Kristin (Adam) and her youngest grandchildren and a convenient airport where they could easily travel to visit Peter and his family in Illinois.

Missing her also are her sisters and brothers-in-law Beverly (Robert) Cramer, Carolyn (Ben) Foose; sister-in-law Maureen Cook; brothers-in-law Richard (Trish) Cook, Stephen (Cindy) Cook; a special niece Melissa Cramer Fetterolf (MD); and special nephews Larry Embry (WA) and David Cramer (NJ), who spent many hours with her in their childhoods.

Debbie was a valued member of the independent school community and began her educational career at a one-room schoolhouse where she affirmed her calling to education. Her commitment to education then led her to The Pennington School serving as teacher, Dean of the Middle School, Academic Dean, Assistant Head of School, and Interim Head of School from 1978 through 1993 before moving to Maryland where she served as the Head of School at St. Timothy’s School from 1993-2002. She then was Head of School at Lake Ridge Academy (OH), and finally Head of School at Chesapeake Academy (VA) from 2007-2017. She also served on committees of regional independent school associations and particularly enjoyed visiting schools as Chair of Accreditation Committees. She had a special gift for seeing what needed to be done to allow the schools to reach their fullest potential. Debbie retired after a successful 45-year career in education. She loved the interaction with students, faculty, and parents and thrived in meeting the challenges of being a school leader. Throughout her long career as educator and Head of Schools, she influenced many lives and was a natural mentor and school leader.

In her retirement Debbie wanted to spend as much time as possible with the people she loved. She spent precious time caring for her mother. She would bring her grandchildren to their piano lessons, soccer practices, et cetera just to get that special time in the car to catch up with them. She would talk daily with her friends and family to stay connected and let them know how loved they were. Debbie was a loyal friend. Those lucky enough to be able to call her a friend knew that she would do anything in her power to make their lives better, easier, or more fulfilling. She gave 100 percent to everything she believed in. She did not get as much time in retirement as we all wished for her, but she made the most of every day.

Debbie will be remembered as a compassionate, well-spoken, hardworking, honest, steadfast, fearless woman ahead of her time that still delighted in the small things. We are sad to lose such an amazing woman, but we are all better for the love she showed each of us through the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service at 1 p.m. on October 8, in the United Methodist Church in Pennington, NJ, 60 S. Main Street, with a reception to follow in the Silva Gallery of Art at The Pennington School.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Debbie’s memory to The Pennington School, 112 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, NJ 08534; St. Timothy’s School, 8400 Greenspring Ave., Stevenson, MD 21153; Chesapeake Academy, P.O. Box 8, Irvington, VA 22480; The Maryland Food Bank; or a charity of your choosing.

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Fioralba Procaccini

Fioralba “Alba” Rossi Procaccini, 99, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center of Plainsboro, NJ. She was surrounded by her family when she closed her eyes and peacefully entered God’s Kingdom. She was a strong-willed, determined woman that led a simple life. She took pride in entertaining her family, especially her grandson and his friends, with overflowing tables of food. Everyone will miss her meatballs and sauce. Fioralba was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church all her adult life. She had a deep faith in God and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was born January 8, 1924 in Pettoranello, Italy, to Ernest and Cristina Rossi. She married Anthony Procaccini in 1948 and immigrated to the U.S. and resided in Princeton until her death.

She was one of 12 children. She is preceded in death by her parents Ernesto and Cristina Rossi, her husband Anthony, her son-in-law Wayne Storie, and seven of her siblings. She is survived by her daughter Sina Storie, her beloved grandson Wayne Steven Storie and his wife Christine, and great-grandchildren Isabella, Christina, and Jack Anthony Storie. She is also survived by her brother Alfredo, sisters Rita and Rosina, all in Argentina, and Mafalda, who lives in Australia. She leaves behind many cousins, nephews, and nieces in the U.S., Italy, Argentina, and Australia.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023 at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. Funeral will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 9 a.m. at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Steet, Princeton, NJ 08542. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Church Cemetery.

The family wants to thank Anthony and Lisa Montrone and Mary Bliss for bringing Holy Communion weekly to Fioralba. We also extend thanks and gratitude to Dr. Toby Fisch and the medical staff at Penn Medicine ER and the ACE unit on the 5th floor of the hospital for the care given and treatment of Fioralba during her brief stay.

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Emily Frances (Vanderstucken) Spencer

Emily Frances (Vanderstucken) Spencer lost her courageous battle against lung cancer on August 16, 2023 at the age of 82.

Born in 1940 to Frances (Robinson) of New York City and Emile Felix Vanderstucken of Sutton County, TX. She grew up in Princeton, NJ, and spent her summers with family in Sonora, TX. Emily graduated from Miss Fine’s School (now Princeton Day School) in 1958 and subsequently graduated from Wheelock College, becoming a First Grade Teacher.

In 1965 she met Richard “Dick” Spencer (d 2003), and they were married in 1966. Emily and Dick spent several years chartering ski trips to Switzerland and France before settling down and starting a small family in Chester, NH, where they lived for 30+ years and made many lifelong friends. Summers were spent at Kennebunk Beach, ME, until 1998 when they moved to Kennebunk permanently.

Emily loved watching Red Sox games, taking train trips, watching Jeopardy (what is “she always had the answers?”), marathon cribbage games with her husband Dick and hosting their annual summer lobster bakes at the beach. She had a great sense of style when it came to designing the home they built together where she enjoyed playing the piano and flower gardening. Emily was a voracious reader and took great joy in mother daughter dates to Red Sox games and musicals at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Her life was filled with love by serving God in the Episcopal faith and generosity to many charities.

Surviving are her loving and devoted daughter Polly; sister-in-law Hillary; nieces Kristen, Kim and Linda; nephews Wyatt and Trip; great-nephews Ivan and Sasha; great-niece Olivia; a great-great-nephew and two great-great-nieces; two grand bunnies; and four grand dogs who will miss her treats and loving pats whenever they came to visit.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 26 at Trinity Episcopal Chapel (4 Woodland Avenue, Kennebunk, ME). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity that promotes literacy or supports lung cancer research.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Emily’s Book of Memories Page at bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043.