Celebrating The Life Of

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Life’s Journey

Tommy Yates, 79 years of age, passed away on Thursday, May 4^th in Pearland, Texas. Tommy was born on September 26, 1944, in Youngstown, Ohio. Tommy was adopted by Robert and Viola Pennell Yates who had 11 children between them (the Yates and Pennell children). Tommy was the youngest of all the Yates/Pennell children and all his brothers and sisters have proceeded him in death.   

Tommy was raised in Youngstown, Ohio but he also spent a great deal of time in St. Joseph, Missouri.  Upon graduating Rayen High School in Youngstown, Ohio in 1962 Tommy attended Highland Jr. College in Kansas.  Upon leaving Highland Jr. College Tommy enrolled at Youngstown State University and then enlisted in the Navy in 1966.  Tommy served on the U.S.S. Volador submarine and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1972. 

Tommy specialized in electronics while in the Navy and went to work for the Ohio Edison Electric Company upon leaving the Navy.  Tommy married his first wife Gwendolyn Shipp in 1966 and they had three sons (Tommy, Bobby, and Terry).  Tommy and Gwen raised their family in Youngstown, Ohio and he received his Bachelor of Administration degree from Youngstown State University in 1982. Tommy was promoted to district Manager of the Ravenna area by Ohio Edison in 1979 and moved to Rootstown, Ohio in 1980. Tommy was the 1^st Black District Manager at Ohio Edison. 

Tommy married his second wife Lorrie Cipriano in 1998 and he retired from Ohio Edison in 2001.  After retiring he started a 2^nd career in the Real Estate field and spent a lot of time in Florida and at his Lake Erie condo in Ohio with Lorrie.  Tommy loved the ocean and lake…he just loved the water. 

Tommy divorced and moved to Texas in 2017 to be near two of his sons and his six grandkids.  While in Texas, Tommy met and married Angelica Vallin in June of 2022.  Angelica stayed by his side until his death.   

Tommy was strong-willed, fun-loving, big hearted, and very smart. Tommy was always there to help others. He was a loving father and grandfather and throughout his life he constantly helped family and friends with a place to live, a job, advice, the loan of a car, or money. Tommy loved boating, the ocean, golf, sports, and spending time with family and friends. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Indians fan. 

Tommy is survived by his wife Angelica; three sons Tommy, Bobby, and Terry; and six grandchildren Tyler, Dylan, Kayla, Leah, Carter, and Miles.

Tommy’s funeral will be held on May 16^th at 11:00 am at All Peoples’ Funeral Home located at 13035 Highway 6, Rosharon, Texas.  Burial will follow immediately afterwards at Houston National Cemetery at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, Tx 77038.