Berlin – Donald Anson Yerton, 95, passed peacefully at home with exceptional care from his son Chris Yerton, Jessica Wright and Community Hospice.
Donald was the son of the late Ada (Bly) Yerton and Gilbert Yerton. Donald was predeceased by his cherished wife of 55 years, Charlotte M. (Crandall) Yerton whom he married in East Poestenkill, NY on December 14, 1946.
Donald spent his early years on the farm located at Hilltop Road. He met his wife Charlotte, they married and he went on to logging and ran a saw mill with his father Gilbert. They provided maple planks for the manufacture of wooden heels by another mill in Shushan, NY.
He left the wood business and joined Ken Rifenburg Construction and served as Vice President. He left there and worked for Jack Sweeney Excavating as a truck driver equipment operator during the summers and Legenbauer Gas and Oil during the winter and eventually worked year round until 1974 when he purchased Taconic Valley Garage and started the first convenience store of the area. The business later was sold to his son Chris who continues to run an auto repair business. Donald served as Chris’s bookkeeper and moral support up until about 3 years ago.
Donald had a great love for the town he grew up in and served as Berlin Town Councilman for many years. He believed in the wholesomeness that a small town had to offer.
He is predeceased by his sisters Dorothy (Yerton) Bentley, and Margie (Yerton) Jones. Donald’s close family consists of daughter Betty Lou Toromino and her late husband Ross Toromino; sons, Walter Allan Yerton and his wife Irina Nefedova, Chris Anthony Yerton and his life-long partner Jessica Wright. Grandchildren, Carrie Duda (Ron Duda), Paul Tanner (Alycia Rochelo), John Toromino and the late Ross J Toromino, great-grandchildren, Spenser Tanner, Daniel Duda, John Dewey, Liliana Toromino and great-great-grandson Robert Dewey.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Friday, April 8, at 11 am, at the Berlin Community Cemetery, Route 22, Center Berlin with Pastor Matthew Olson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Community Hospice, Gift Processing Center, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.
Arrangements are by the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home in Petersburgh. Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.
