Francis Yolda

Francis James Yolda was born on November 18, 1950 in Danielson, Connecticut, the son of the late Nicholas Joseph and Cecilia Helen Skowron Yolda. He graduated from Windham high and attended UConn, before entering and serving in the Air Force 1969 - 1973. 

On June 1, 1973, he married the love of his life, Deborah Anne Norige Yolda, who survives. 

Francis James was a proud Boilermaker to The International Brotherhood - Union Local #237. Francis retired in 2005 before settling in Tennessee, where he continued to work independently as a contractor throughout the east coast within his dedicated field until 2022. 

Francis loved his community, and the many people that he called friends. He devoted time to the McNairy County Food Pantry and volunteering at the Shiloh National Battlefield. Francis appreciated all the history that Tennessee had to offer. In his personal time he loved golfing and was a member of Fox Chase Golf Course. He enjoyed watching golfers from the 6th hole on the veranda, or personally spending time golfing and or fishing with friends. 

James Yolda departed this life on August 20, 2023 in Counce, Tennessee at the age of 72 years, 9 months, and 2 days. 

Francis was a committed husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, boilermaker, and friend who will be missed dearly by all. 

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Anne Norige Yolda; daughter, Nicole Lee Yolda and husband Richard P. Carr, Jr. of Lebanon, Connecticut; and granddaughter, Devyn Anne Yolda-Carr of Massachusetts.