Gerald P. Yelle

It is with incredible sadness that we share on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 12:55P.M., at Adirondack Medical Center, Gerald P. Yelle, 79 of Saranac Lake, took his final breath surrounded by the people who loved him most. It was a gloomy, gray day in November, but the sun shone through the clouds for just a moment to let us know he made a safe landing on his final journey to heaven.

Born in Saranac Lake on October 26, 1945, he was the son of Maynard and Maude (Revette) Yelle. Gerald married Barbara J. Sussey at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake on February 1, 1963. Their devotion to one another lasted 61 years prior to his death.

Gerald has never met a stranger. He was a friend to all who knew him. His wit and gift of gab made him a successful, self-taught businessman. He had several jobs to support his family prior to his first business, however, once he became a self-employed antique dealer there was no looking back for him. More than 50 years in the business and still wheeling and dealing right up until his death. Many will remember him by his three business names “G&B Trader”, “Yelle’s Antiques” and his final brick and mortar and most prized business “Buyer’s Paradise” He found such appreciation for old rusty, dusty items and made a living helping others to appreciate them as well. In his younger years he would collect and save things he bought and call them his “retirement plan”. Every day was a treasure hunt, and it was one he thoroughly enjoyed. The stories told by his friends and family are countless. He also was a kind, patience, and loving husband and father to his wife and three girls who will eternally feel his absence in everything they do. 

Gerald is survived by his devoted wife Barbara J. Yelle of Saranac Lake, NY; three daughters, Brenda L. (Thomas) Decker of Saranac Lake, NY, Deborah L. (Joseph) Yelle-Daunais of Bloomingdale, NY, and Carolyn E. (Scott) Yelle of Bloomingdale, NY; two grandchildren, Kelsey J. (Leonides) Yelle and Ryley P. Morgan; one great-grand child, Samuel S. Brito. He is also survived by one brother, Stephen (Janice) Yell of Plattsburgh, NY and two of his closest nephews John (Deb) Rovito of Brushton, NY and Alvin (Karin) Yell of East Bloomfield, NY as well as many other family members that he loved so much. 

He was predeceased by his father and mother; two brothers, Melvin M. Yell and Wilbur F. Yelle; and one sister, Anna Mae Kopf.

Anyone wanting to make a donation in Gerald’s memory can do so with the Saranac Lake Rescue Squad. The family would also like to extend the highest thanks to the incredible nurses and medical staff at Adirondack Medical Center for the unwavering and excellent care they provided over the last few months. There are no words to express our gratitude. 

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024 @ 1:30 p.m. Gerald will be laid to rest at the Mountain View Cemetery in Gabriels, NY in a private graveside service. A celebration of life will take place in the spring when the flowers are in bloom and the birds are in flight; giving the family needed time to mourn the patriarch of their family. 

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuenralhome.com.