Ronald A. Yannetti

Ronald Anthony “Ronnie” Yannetti was born on December 11, 1931 and was raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts . He passed away after a brief illness at his Marblehead home, surrounded by his family.

Ronald received a degree in music from the University of New Hampshire and his Masters in music composition from Boston University. Ronnie was an accomplished pianist, winning competitions. Ronnie taught music early on in his career until he took over Durant Paints, Inc. located in Revere, Massachusetts, which was formally owned by his father Anthony Yannetti and his uncle Trip Yannetti. Ronnie was a natural businessman, even though his background was in music. Ronnie was at the helm of the company from 1966 until a fall forced his retirement in 2017, at which time his daughter Tanis Yannetti took over and still runs it today. Ronnie always had long time employees as he was kind, empathetic and treated all with respect and dignity.

Ronnie was a lover of antiques and spent many years hunting for treasures with his wife Marilyn throughout New England and along the Atlantic coast. Many of these antiques ended up in Marilyn’s antique shop in Melrose, The Lamplighter, but many remain in his house in Marblehead today. Ronnie acted as an auctioneer during a few estate sales and had great success and fun.

Ronnie’s other love was horse racing. Ronnie’s horse Manassa Jack was his favorite and ran in the Belmont race in 1987, an event the whole family will remember forever. Ronnie was an avid reader of non-fiction, an exercise enthusiast and a gifted poker player, splitting the pot at Foxwood Casino after a competition of over 600 entrants.

Above all, Ronnie loved and was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Penta) Yannetti of Marblehead, MA, his son David Ronald Yannetti and wife Robin Yannetti of Swampscott, his daughter, Tanis Yannetti and her husband Kevin Fitzgerald of Marblehead, his grandsons Ethan Eichler of Swampscott, Jacob Yannetti of Swampscott and Aaron Yannetti of Swampscott, his granddaughters, Abigail Eichler of Swampscott, and Ava Yannetti of Swampscott, his sister, Marlana Yannetti and her husband Steven Sirikas of Chelsea, MA, his nephew, Anthony Atamanuik and his wife Flossie Arend of Brooklyn, NY.

In memory of Ronald Yannetti, we ask that in lieu of flowers that donations be considered to The Kidney Foundation, St Jude’s Hospital for Children and the Humane Society.

Visiting hours for Ronald will be held Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM in the funeral home. A reception will be held at the Masonic Hall, 62 Pleasant Street, Marblehead immediately following the service at the funeral home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Yannetti family.