Alfred Henry Yoli

Alfred Henry Yoli died gently on Sunday, January 23, 2022, in his Asheville, NC, home surrounded by his family’s love and secure in the promise of eternal peace with God. He was 91.

“Al” was a devoted husband to wife, Frances, whom he leaves behind with his beloved children, Lisa and Peter. He was a cherished uncle, brother-in-law, friend, neighbor, and mentor through his long well-lived life. He is remembered with affection for his humble spirit, warm smile and simple as a hot dog manner. He was genuinely interested in everyone he met with no pretense or expectation and never any mention of himself.

Born March 16, 1930, in the Bronx, NY, Riverdale area, Al was a diligent student with an aptitude for all things mechanical, electrical, and mathematical. As a teen, he logged hundreds of hours as an amateur ham radio operator, regularly talking to people around the world (many decades before the internet) on a self-built unit with a roof antenna. He earned a full scholarship to Manhattan College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Masters in electrical engineering. His highly analytical, creative talent led to significant recognition in that field eventually transitioning to the cutting-edge nuclear energy community of the 1950s.

In 1955, the US Atomic Energy Commission requested 25-year-old Al to be a presenter at the First Geneva Conference on the Peaceful Use of Atomic Energy, then regarded as the most exciting international gathering of scientific minds ever held. He was a consultant for many US government projects, held numerous inventor patents, traveled extensively and remained a strong advocate of nuclear power as an energy resource, pioneering safer design and construction of reactors throughout the country aligning with industry leaders such including the AEC, Jet Propulsion Labs in CA and Nuclear Energy Services in CT. Al was a hands-on leader with a legendary work ethic, always right alongside his team, earning respect and loyalty throughout his accomplished career. He retired as Vice President of Engineering with Preferred Utilities in Danbury, CT, at the age of 75, continuing to consult for another decade.

Al would shrug off this extraordinary career as just a guy doing his job. He rarely talked about any of it. After retiring from Brookfield, CT, to Farmingville, NY. Al, a devout Catholic, became an altar boy at the age of 80, a Eucharistic Minister and financial secretary for the local Knights of Columbus. During his life journey he was a dancer, a bowler and a tournament bass fisherman who loved family gatherings and a challenging Sudoku. He survived leukemia at 70, went zip lining at 82 and hot air ballooning at 85. He and Frances moved to Asheville in 2017 where he fully embraced retirement with daily walks, Lego model building and professional napping. A recent small stroke proved to be the start of his final adventure.

He was a serious reader to his last days with a special interest in the Civil War and it is fitting that he shares with some of his heroes the distinguishing qualities that made him our hero: Truth, Courage, Modesty, Generosity and Loyalty. He treasured his faith and 67-year marriage to Frances above all things followed closely by deep relationships with his children for whom he remains their North Star and moral compass.

The memorial service for Mr. Yoli will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 5, at the Tunnel Rd. chapel of Groce Funeral Home. A livestream of the service will be begin on this page shortly before 11:00 a.m. His family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service.

Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. You will be missed beyond all measure – the world will be less interesting without you.

We are grateful to Dr. Jason Goldie of The Family Health Centers, Four Seasons Hospice and Groce Funeral Home for their attentive support.

We appreciate the kindness of all who knew him and encourage memorial gifts be made to the cause of your choice, no flowers please.