Robert R. Yancey, Sr.

Robert Richard Yancey, Sr. was a great man. When he left us on Monday, April, 20, 2020 one week before his seventy-fourth birthday, he left a hole in the hearts of our family. We miss him already. Robert made his presence felt wherever he went. He lived a full life. He was passionate, loyal, community minded, committed and fiercely devoted to his family.

            Robert R. Yancey was born shortly after World War, II, on April 27, 1946. He was the fourth of seven sons and two daughters of Howell and Alice Yancey (both deceased). Howell, Jr. (deceased) , Frederick, II (deceased), Terrence, Sr., were his three older brothers. Ronald, Sr., Charles, Sr. and Vincent, Sr.  were his three younger brothers. Linda (deceased) and Eleanor were his two sisters. Robert’s loving wife was Lieba Small Yancey. Madison, their  grand daughter, was a constant presence in his life.  She was his little “running buddy”.  His nephew, Terrence, Jr. was his bigger running buddy.

               Robert was blessed with beautiful and intelligent children. Robert, Jr. was his first born with VanDale Yancey. Richard Yancey, his second son was born to Christine Yancey. Andre Yancey, his third son, was born to Marcia Yancey. His two beautiful daughters Kamylla Yancey and Chaunessy Yancey were born with Dineen Fernandes. His extended family included sons Adrian, Shannon, John, Jamal and Allen. He enjoyed his many grandchildren including: Eva, Nevaeh, Miyoko, Vara, Adriana, Jakia, Dominic, Cameron, Madison, Mekai, Noah, and Jai. His many nieces and nephews included: Ayanna; Fred, III; Christopher, Terrence, Jr.; Hasan; Ronald, Jr.; Rachel; Mark; Jason; Alicia; Charles, Jr.; Derrick, Sr.; Sharif; Ashley; Vincent, Jr.; Sadiqa; Malik; Alicia; Eleanor; Sonia; Patricia; Melinda; Teresa; Michelle, Naeemah and Raymond III. Jeannette, Carole, Cookie, Yvonne, Marzetta, Roxanne, Allan, and Raymond, Sr. were spouses of his siblings. Theodore, Phyliss, Richard and Grace Martinez were also members of our family. He was loved by all of his family.

            Robert was committed to his community. He attended the Boston Public Schools in the 1950’s and 1960s’. He joined his mother, Alice Yancey in the annual Savin Street Neighborhood cleanup which she organized. He met with Malcolm X and members of the Nation of Islam and  Muhammed Ali.  He attended Reverend Ike’s church and traveled with him throughout the United States and Mexico.

            Robert was politically active all of his life. He encouraged his brother Charles to run for office and enthusiastically supported each of his campaigns for Boston City Council, Congress, State Auditor and Mayor of Boston. Robert was one of the Councillor’s advisors and confidents during his thirty-two years in office. He participated the Charles C. Yancey Annual Book Fair for thirty years. He also campaigned for President Barack Obama, Governor Deval Patrick, Jesse Jackson for President,  Senators Edward Brooke and Elizabeth Warren. He welcomed Nelson and Winnie Mandela to Boston in 1990 after the collapse of Apartheid in South Africa. He fought against racism and injustice throughout his adult life.

            Robert intentionally set an example of a strong work ethic for his children. He worked for his father, Howell T. Yancey, Sr. in his business, the Cadillac Window, Venetian Blind and Construction, Inc.. He worked at the Drakes Bakery, Kasanof’s Bakery and the United States Postal Service for many years. He was also a Bail Bondsman for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

            Robert worked at American Airlines for forty seven years. He was proud of his career. In 2019, he was hosted and honored for his outstanding service to the company by Mr. William Douglas Parker, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines at its headquarters in Texas. The Boston City Council proclaimed “Robert Richard Yancey Day” in 2014 in recognition of his fortieth anniversary at American Airlines. Many of his colleagues commented on what Robert meant to them. The union’s business agent, Ricky, affectionately called him “Uncle Bob”.  Dean Marcotullio said that he had many laughs with him over 30 yearsat AA. “He was a gentleman and a class act. American Airlines lost a true treasure. “  Henri Williams-Gerald said Robert was “Like a big brother during our youth we worshipped together as Rev. Ike stormed through Boston.It seems like we were always in church! Wonderful times learning to love God and our community.Later our paths crossed again at American Airlines. For years, I saw him almost every trip either on the bus or in flight attendant operations. Great times with many laughs.“  Amanda Kozlowski said: He spent time with her “talking, teaching, inspiring with his words of wisdom and knowledge, love, compassion. His strong beliefs in what he stood for was the most powerful thing about him! He was genuine, honest and sincere! He made sure he was at my job every single night to insure that I got home to my son! He was amazing.” Charissa Gagnon said that Robert Yancey was loved by all that knew him. And that he was “always thinking of and putting others first. “ Beverly Demetrius said that “Robert loved to share his wisdom and political views. He was always kind, genuine, and compassionate to everyone.“

            His brother Ronald noted that Robert brought a lot of dynamics to the family that can not be replaced. If Robert was feeling down he would put on a suit and hold his head high. ”Bobby always tried to encourage all of his siblings by sayings things like: “You deserve it”,“Don’t worry, God is with you” and “if God is with you’ no one can be against you.” Ron added that when Robert arranged for family members to fly on a American Airline flight he would spend a lot of time ensuring that they had the best experience possible. When things got rough Robert would say: “WE ARE CONDITIONED FOR THE CONDITION”.

            Robert and his nephew, Terry, Jr. had a special bond.  They would spend a great deal  of time together in the course of every week. Robert was appreciative of Roxanne and Vincent for helping him to convalesce after an unexpected illness. Robert and Terry, Sr. , his older brother, had many adventures together during their teens and young adult years.

            Robert provided food and support many members of the community including veterans, seniors and the homeless.

            Robert’s unyielding spirit will always be with us.  He demonstrated his tough love for his children. He wanted to set an example of dignity, respect and commitment to fellow human beings.  He wanted his children to be self reliant, educated, strong and optimistic about the future. He tried to teach them survival skills in a sometimes hostile environment. He demanded respect. He defined himself. He refused to be defined by others.

            He was dynamic, compassionate, politically and spiritually conscience and strong. He was loved.

            He will be remembered and missed by all of us.           

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