Yacone, Enrico "Rick"
HUDSON — Enrico "Rick" Yacone, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, counselor, coach and friend, passed away in his sleep on Sunday, September 6, 2020.
Rick was born on October 30, 1929, in Hudson to the late Amadeo and Lydia (Innamorati) Yacone. Raised by loving Italian immigrant parents alongside two sisters, he was gifted from a young age, and had many professional successes. After receiving a full-ride scholarship to play football at Arnold College (now the University of Bridgeport), he graduated as salutatorian of his class. He also received All-american honors in football and excelled in basketball and baseball. After college, Rick joined the U.S. Marine Corps’ Officer Candidate School, and was deployed to Korea and Japan during the Korean War, serving as a first lieutenant. After getting out of the military, he received a master’s degree in education from New York University. Throughout his career, particularly during the 36 years as a guidance counselor and football coach at New Rochelle High School, he mentored thousands of students and coached hundreds of football players.
While his passion for his work was unmatched, his family is what he was most proud of. Rick married the love of his life, fellow Hudson High School graduate, Shirley Morrison, on August 18, 1956. Rick and Shirley raised five children in New Rochelle. As a father, Rick led by example. He taught each of his children about faith, hard work and the importance of empathy and kindness. Rick and Shirley ultimately retired and moved back to Hudson to be closer to family. However, retirement didn’t mean things slowed down for them. They helped raise 12 grandchildren. Rick, lovingly known as "Poppy," taught many of them how to ride a bike, how to hit a baseball, how to garden, how to catch lightning bugs and how to find the best sledding hills.
He was a man of faith. He had a deep love for his country. He was an avid historian and loved reading his morning newspaper and watching the news in his lazy boy. He was a phenomenal photographer and was often seen with a camera in his hand, documenting the lives of his children and grandchildren. He loved the New York Giants and watching football with a cold beer. He was an incredibly skilled handyman and could conquer any house project. He was a master gardener, known for growing the most delicious cucumbers, green beans and tomatoes. He was a role model, an advice giver and a hand to hold when things got tough; and, most of all, Rick taught his children and grandchildren what family truly means. He and Shirley were the epitome of life-long true love and they’re now reunited.
Rick’s family and friends will greatly miss his unparalleled generosity, wisdom, wit, sense of humor, kindness and compassion for others. He leaves behind an incredible legacy.
Rick is survived by five children, Lynn Yacone Martin, Lori Yacone, Jill Hopper, Ann Yacone Diagostino and James Yacone; 12 wonderful grandchildren and a beautiful great-grandson, Harvey Enrico. He is also survived by his beloved sister Ann (Yacone) Qualtieri and 11 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Morrison) Yacone; and his sister, Julie (Yacone) Griswold.
A Mass celebrating Rick’s life will be held in St Mary’s Church/holy Trinity Parish
y y in Hudson, on October 31, at 10 a.m. Anyone is welcome to attend the memorial virtually. Here is the link to the Zoom that will be used for the service: https://zoom. us/j/4158103635. A private burial will be held in the Arlington National Cemetery, honoring Rick’s military service. He will be laid to rest there with Shirley.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Hudson Food Pantry at https:// regionalfoodbank.net/ agencies/ salvation-army-hudson-food-pantry or to The Church of St. Mary of Hudson (part of the Holy Trinity Parish) at https:// holytrinityhudson.weshare online.org.
In Memoriam Notices Deadline Information:
BURKETTE
CAMAROTA —
KENNEDY
RAINVILLE