Hornell, NY / Middlesex, NY
Richard H. “Rick” Yates – 82 – formerly of Middlesex, NY, died Thursday evening (November 20, 2025) at Maple City Rehab & Nursing Facility (Hornell Gardens) where he had resided for the past 8 months.
Born in Rochester, NY on October 1, 1943, he was the first son of John & June (Shorthouse) Yates.
Rick, affectionately known as “The Count,” grew up in the Rochester area and was a graduate of Gates-Chili High School (class of 1962). He later received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Hobart College in Geneva, NY.
He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country in the mid 1960s. Rick briefly resided in Virginia and in the early 1970s returned to the Rochester area. He moved to Canandaigua, NY in the 1980s and resided in Middlesex, NY from 1990 until moving to Hornell in March, 2025.
He had been employed as an Information Technologist (IT) for the Ontario County Department of Social Services in Hopewell, retiring about 18 years ago. Rick was very “technology minded” and a self-proclaimed “loner” who lived a solitary life. He was an avid reader particularly interested in science, technology and astronomy— always striving to “work his mind.” Rick also had a passion for music.
Rick was a “history & military buff” who enjoyed studying battle ships and attending military air shows with his lifelong friend, Tom Melanson. He was also passionate about politics and public affairs and was not afraid to share his views on nearly any subject. Rick shared his mother’s artistic touch and was a talented artist and was known for painting military ships.
In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Yates.
Surviving are two brothers, Steven Yates and Christopher Yates both of Greece, NY; along with his sister in law, Pat Yates and several nieces & nephews.
At Rick’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a future date.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Rick’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of his name be made to the Veteran’s Administration.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.