Robert C. Yardley, 79
Robert Craig Yardley of Dorset, Vt., who was a standout student-athlete at East Hampton High School and then enjoyed a long career teaching history at his alma mater, died on Oct. 25 at the Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his family. He was 79, and had been ill for a long time, his family said.
Over the course of 54 summers, Mr. Yardley worked at the Maidstone Club, directing the beach operations and the Junior Activities program. He was known for running a tight ship, the family said. He expected things be done right, they said; he was firm but fair. In 1989, the club’s governing board established the Robert Yardley Award, which is given each summer to a boy and a girl in the Junior Activities program who distinguish themselves in sportsmanship and character, principles Mr. Yardley instilled in hundreds of children, both there and in the schools.
Mr. Yardley was born on Aug. 24, 1936, at Southampton Hospital, to Fred Yardley and the former Ruth Fithian. The family traces its maternal roots back to East Hampton’s earliest settlers. He grew up on McGuirk Street with an older brother, Fred, and a younger sister, Cathy, in a house built by their father. He excelled academically, while quarterbacking the undefeated, untied 1952 football eleven — the only such team in the football program’s 82 years. The entire team was voted into the school’s inaugural Hall of Fame in 2012.
As good as he was at football and basketball, he was just as good a swimmer. A lifeguard at the Maidstone each summer as a young man, he rescued a good number of swimmers caught in rip tides. During one of those summers, he met Isabel Masotti of Mineola, who became his wife. They were together for 60 years. While most knew him as Bob, his wife always called him Robert.
After graduating from Ithaca College, Mr. Yardley returned to the South Fork. The Yardleys lived briefly in Sag Harbor before making their home in Amagansett. He first taught in Westhampton, then, after about 10 years, took the East Hampton job, first in the middle school and then in the high school. He also coached football. He retired in 2001 after 31 years in East Hampton schools.
Mr. Yardley’s interest in history extended beyond the classroom. “He was a voracious reader, typically finishing at least one book a week,” his family wrote. His favorite subjects, they said, were U.S. presidents and other historical personages. “Thick volumes always surrounded his reading chair.” He also loved bicycling, and would ride for long distances well before it became a popular sport.
Mr. Yardley was an early member of the town planning board. He foresaw, and was troubled by, the wave of development that engulfed the town in later years, his daughter said. He began taking his family to Vermont on vacation to experience the small-town feel he had grown up with in East Hampton. About 15 years ago, he and his wife decided to make Vermont their home, and they moved to Dorset.
The couple raised four children in Amagansett, where they lived for more than 30 years. Mr. Yardley was said to be proud that his children carried forward the simple but important values he had taught them: kindness, generosity, a strong work ethic, and a sharp sense of humor. His life, his family said, was filled with deep friendships, loving family memories, and lots and lots of laughter.
In addition to his wife of over 60 years, he is survived by a daughter and three sons. They are Alison Yardley-Fantini of Amagansett, Peter Yardley of Tarrytown, N.Y., Michael Yardley of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Craig Yardley of Atlanta. He also leaves five grandchildren and two siblings, Fred Yardley of East Hampton and Cathy Flanner of Florida.
A small service was held in Manchester last week. Mr. Yardley was cremated.
Memorial contributions have been suggested to an organization that was important to him, the MPN Research Foundation, 180 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1870, Chicago, Ill. 60601.