Rest in Peace Rev. Archdeacon George Yany

Rev. Archdeacon George Yany, 89, of Cumberland, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Born in Pawtucket and raised in Central Falls, RI, he was the son of the late Tony and Jennie (Nassaney) Yany. He was the beloved husband of Violet (Nassimos) Yany for 61 years.

After graduating from the Central Falls school system, he enrolled at Bryant University and received his BS in Business Administration. His sense of duty led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years during the Korean War - two years’ duty in the Mediterranean as part of the Sixth Fleet aboard a Destroyer, and two years for the Naval Justice Staff in Newport. After leaving the Navy, he then worked the next two years for Proctor & Gamble as an Advertising and Sales Manager responsible for the New York, Michigan, and Ohio regions. Building upon the business that his father started, he partnered with his two oldest brothers, and they created operated and managed a successful family business known as NAYCO Family Stores.  The business thrived and grew to three locations in Rhode Island.  His wife and children later joined the family operation and worked alongside him in the Cranston location.

His desire to seek more knowledge about his beliefs led him to enroll in Providence College where he pursued his graduate studies in Theology. With the encouragement and the support of his wife, he entered the Diaconate program at St. Basil’s Seminary, answering his calling to become a deacon and beginning his journey to live out his faith.

On April 29, 1973, he made history becoming ordained as the first Catholic married deacon in Rhode Island, and the first Melkite deacon in the United States. He served as deacon of St. Basil's Church in Central Falls, which became his permanent home parish. Wanting to encourage others to follow in his path he spent his first three years helping to set up a Diaconate program to help train prospective deacons for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, an accomplishment which resulted in the first class of 21 deacons ordained for the Diocese of Providence in 1976.

Beginning in 1973 he became more involved in the community. He began serving as chaplain of Sullivan Council Knights of Columbus and the Diocesan Catholic chaplain for the Boy Scouts (New England Region). He later received the Bronze Pelican Award from Bishop Gelineau for his outstanding work with youths.

On October 25, 1987, he was elevated to Archdeacon by Bishop John Eleya, which challenged him to define and establish the role of deacons within the church.

Many people remember Deacon George for his unique pilgrimages and tours to various European and Mediterranean countries.

Throughout his 34 years of ordination, Deacon George offered his services freely to his parish as well as numerous other religious and civic organizations. Among some of his accomplishments are Parish Religious Education Coordinator; Pre-Cana (Marriage Preparation) Counselor; Marriage and Youth Counselor; Hospital and Shut-in Ministry. He also served seven years as National Director of Melkite Youths, conducting youth retreats throughout the country. In addition, he participated in Pro-Life activities, was a counselor for Unwed Mothers and Notary for the Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese of Newton.

One of his greatest joys as a deacon was working as a Catholic chaplain at the RI Adult Correctional Institution in Cranston from   1984 to 2005. There, he worked at the Training School for Boys and the Intake Service Center of the adult men's Prison. He counseled, led religious services, coordinated religious volunteers of all denominations at the intake facility and made himself available to his “guys” 24/7, even through suicides and death.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Diane Giorgi and her companion David Demty, Tony Yany and his wife Stacy, Joseph Yany and his wife Tammy, his son-in-law Stephen Mazzone, his sister, Bertha Sanky, his brothers, Albert and Louis Yany, his grandchildren, Sara Kafader, Jacob Yany, Kourtney Meredith, Christopher Yany, Devon Viveiros, Dana Mazzone, Justine Giorgi, Alex Mazzone, Rachel Giorgi, Laura Yany, and Dylan Mazzone. He also leaves his great- grandchildren, Johnny, Tommy, Nate, Zeke, Owen, and Ike. He was the father of the late Angela Mazzone and Michael Yany and the brother of the late Joe and Harvey Nassaney.

Due to current restrictions, his Liturgy of Christian Burial will be video live streamed Monday, December 14th at 10 AM and can be viewed on the Rev. Archdeacon's obituary page - https://www.oneillfuneralhomes.com/obituary/rev-archdeacon-george-yany.

The Burial will be private and visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter, 245 Waterman St. #306, Providence RI 02906, in his memory would be appreciated.