David Yonkman

David Michael Yonkman died unexpectedly in his Levittown, NY home on Sunday, January 17, 2021.

Dave will always be remembered by those who knew him for using 488 words to say what could be said in ten words, being perpetually five minutes late to everything, his lightning-quick and nearly always wildly-inappropriate wit, and his capacity to love.

David was born in Crown Point, IN, where he lived until he was twelve and where he dreamed of being the first baseman for the Chicago Cubs. He then moved to Fishers, IN where he attended Hamilton Southeastern High School and spent most of his time being a self-proclaimed Star Wars nerd and developing life-long friendships with other Star Wars nerds. He later attended Purdue University.

After college, Dave moved to New York City to pursue a career in film and media within the music industry. He made documentary and concert films as well as digital content. He worked with artists such as Guster, Barenaked Ladies, My Morning Jacket, Willie Nelson, KD Lang, and, most dear to Dave, Kermit the Frog. He was especially fond of his annual gig at the Newport Folk Festival, which was a sort of yearly reunion with his best friends.

Those who’ve known Dave as an adult will know that his largest and most-enduring legacy is his son Jack, for whom Dave’s love knew no bounds. From the moment Jack was born, he was Dave’s entire world. One would often have a conversation with Dave about Jack’s latest baseball achievement or Jack’s hysterical, and often inappropriate, new one-liner. But what Dave ALWAYS talked about was the most recent kind thing Jack had said or done. Jack is the sweetest and most beautiful soul, and Dave was fully aware of it at all times. Being with Jack was the only thing that mattered to Dave and the only thing we know for sure during this difficult time is that no father has loved a son more than Dave loved Jack.

Dave also loved his nephews and niece more than any uncle ever has. Other than Jack, the thing that made Dave happiest was the sound of Leo, Vic, Louie, or Spike laughing. He was a great uncle and those little turkeys were lucky to have him.

Dave is survived by his ex-wife, Kerri Silvestri of Levittown, with whom a marriage did not endure but a mutual love and respect has never ceased.

He is also survived by his parents, Jack and Kathy Yonkman of Bloomington, IN, brother Pete (Janell, Leo, and Vic) Yonkman of Bloomington, and twin brother Joe (Abbey, Louie, and Spike) Yonkman of Bloomington, all of whom are beyond proud of him and love him to the moon and back.

Outdoor service and burial for friends and family forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests support for Jack’s future or donations to the Newport Folk Festival Foundation. Contact the family for links or instructions.

The word immediately preceding this sentence marked the 488th word of this obituary. Let us say it in ten: We miss you. We love you. We will never stop.

- written by Joe Yonkman

https://secure.newportfestivals.org/.../donation.jsp