John J. Yanas, Sr.

Albany, NY-The Hon. John J. Yanas, Sr., 93, entered peacefully into eternal rest on January 8, 2023 at the Teresian House. Born July 18, 1929 to the late Ignatius and Violet (Updyke) Yanas, he was a lifelong resident of the city of Albany. He was the loving husband of the former Mary Faith Casey of Albany who predeceased him in 2012. A graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Russell Sage College (Pre-Law Program) and Albany Law School, he was an esteemed and highly respected lawyer with expertise in trusts, estates and real property. He was in the private practice of law throughout his career. Always generous with his time and professional expertise, he assumed many important leadership roles to advance education, the legal profession and community service. He was an Albany City Court Judge (1973-1977) and Chair of the Mayor Judicial Selection Committee (1994-2013). He was a member of the Albany County Bar Association since 1954, assuming its presidency in 1978. He maintained professional memberships in the New York State Bar Association, American Bar Association, and American College of Real Estate Lawyers. He was listed in Who’s Who in American Law (3rd edition, 1983-84 and subsequent editions). He took an active role in the New York State Bar Association, holding numerous officer and committee positions through the years. In 1989, he was honored to be elected president of the New York State Bar Association, one of very few Capital Region residents to hold that esteemed title. John, affectionately known to many as “Iggy”, was a great friend to the Christian Brothers. He was a member of the CBA Board of Advisors since 1972, Board of Trustees since 1989 and served as chair from 1992-1995. In honor of his services to CBA, he received Letters of Benefaction from the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Distinguished Lasallian Trustee Award from the Christian Brothers of the New York Province. In addition, he has served on the boards of Home and City Savings Bank, Monroe Abstract and Title Corporation and the Fort Orange Club, among others. He became a member of Albany Law School’s Board of Trustees in 1975, serving as its chair from 1993-1996. In recognition of his many contributions to the school and community, he was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree (LL.D.) by the law school in 1989. In 2000, he was made a Trustee Emeritus of the school’s Board of Trustees. He had a deep knowledge and passion for jazz having amassed an impressive collection starting at a young age. He was also a fan of American Musical Theater. He was a lifetime member of Albany Country Club where he enjoyed the great game of golf, notably winning the Member-Guest Championship title in 1983 with his partner, Robert “Perk” Sherwood. He was blessed with many friends, both personally and professionally, who greatly enriched his life. Above all, John was a devout Catholic whose greatest pride and joy was his family. He and Mary Faith raised four children who survive him: Rev. John J Yanas; Kathleen (Bill Cunningham), Joseph, and M. Patricia Rowlands (Bruce). He was a loving Poppy to his grandchildren: Kate Quaranto (Kevin); Chelsea Lacko (Chas); Nicole Anagnos, and William Anagnos. He was a proud great grandfather to Grace, Luke and Jeannie Quaranto, and Leah Lacko. He is also survived by a niece, nephews and cherished friends. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also predeceased by his sister, Marilyn Y. Burns. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John’s family Thursday, January 12, 2023 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11:00 am at The Parish of Mater Christi, Albany, NY where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated by his beloved son, Father John J. Yanas, Jr Pastor of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Troy, NY. The Mass can be viewed on the parish home webpage https://mcalbany.org/ The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY immediately following the Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Those who wish to remember John in a special way could donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601 (alz.org), Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 308 Spring Ave., Troy NY 12180 (sacredhearttroy.com), or Albany Law School, 80 New Scotland Ave, Albany NY 12208 (albanylaw.edu).

Tributes

John J. Yanas, Sr.

July 18, 1929 - January 8, 2023