Edward Patrick Yates

Yates, Edward Patrick, age 75, passed away on January 6, 2026, in La Mirada, California, due to various health issues that his body could not finally overcome. He was born on March 17, 1950, in Darby, Pennsylvania, son of Edward J. Yates and Teresa (Gallen) Yates. He grew up in Drexel Hill, PA, until he moved to Thousand Oaks, California with his family in 1964. He spent the remainder of his life mostly in Southern California. Ed struggled with mental illness throughout his life. Ed and his family had valuable help through wonderful associations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Homes for Life at Denker House, in Torrance, CA, which provided valuable assistance in helping the family and providing a home and care for him during hard times. Ed was always resilient and had the strength to bounce back after many difficult situations and injuries.

Ed loved music and is fondly remembered with headphones around his neck and an MP3 player in his pocket. On occasions when these were lost, his brother, George, would replace and reload his favorite songs. Fond memories include his liking to paint in his younger years and in high school attended an art class, sculpting a memorable Neanderthal man and fabricated metal boxes which are still being used by family members. His favorite place to visit was the beach. He had a great sense of humor. During his lifetime, he traveled many miles and across the U.S. by car, bus, walking or hitchhiking…. but he always wound up back in Southern California. He loved packages sent by his siblings, as they all lived in various other states. George lived close by and faithfully visited Ed, especially on holidays and his birthday, and would share pictures and memories from each visit with the family. George lovingly stepped in to help care for Ed and was always there for him. Last May, the family reunited to give Ed one last special day at the beach, a memory they will always hold close.

Ed is survived by his brothers and sisters, George (wife, Theresa McGinty, deceased), Teresa Yates Petrecz (husband, John, deceased), Patricia Yates McCann (husband William), Joseph, Philip (wife Maria Beach), Gregory and John.

We will love you and always carry your memory in our hearts. You are finally at peace and getting loving hugs from Mom and Dad and all Yates and Gallen families in heaven who are with you now.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ed’s memory to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).