Anthony William Yapur

Anthony William Yapur was the 4th and last child born to Anthony and Carmen Yapur. He was the beloved baby brother to Joseph, Rosemarie and Carol. By age 2 it became clear that Anthony’s development was different. At age 3 his concerned and hopeful parents had Anthony tested. He was diagnosed as developmentally delayed. At that time special needs children were often institutionalized. Anthony’s mother would have nothing to do with that idea. She devoted her lifetime to the care of her sweet baby boy and never once complained about the great sacrifices she made.

Anthony began to attend classes and workshops for children that needed specialized instruction. His sisters often volunteered during summers to aid his teachers. Mom taught Anthony to dress himself with meticulous care. How she fussed over his appearance! He was a handsome guy! Mom made sure he was better groomed and dressed than the next guy. His sisters taught him how to talk and dance, how to count and sing. He even learned a couple of colorful sayings that he delivered with extra gusto! How it made us laugh!!

As he grew older Anthony attended a variety of county sponsored classes and workshops. Also, as he grew older he suffered from severe OCD. His rituals would eventually cause him great anxiety. All buttons were meant to be buttoned and zippers zipped all the way. Doors should be closed and everything in its place. Even when he was sick, he would ask to get on the bus and go to school. It was his routine and where he belonged. We liked to think he enjoyed it as well. As the years went by his workshops went from learning to actually working. He even earned money performing simple assembly tasks for manufacturers of all types. His OCD became an asset. Anthony would never let a piece go by until it was complete and perfected. He was the ideal employee.

Anthony thoroughly enjoyed listening to music, everything from his favorite Beatles to mom’s old standards. He danced and snapped his fingers grinning from ear to ear the entire time. Anthony had a great sense of humor. He liked to be teased and joked with. We even had silly nicknames for each other. It made him smile. He would light up when nephews Johnny and Paulie walked in the door. He knew it was time to do and learn things he probably shouldn’t. They paid great attention to Uncle Anthony and it made him happy.

Through lots of thoughtful research and encouragement his parents were convinced to let Anthony move to a group home with individuals with similar disabilities. It was difficult at first for all involved. Then Anthony met a lady named Sue Arnott. She would be his caregiver and the manager of his new home. Sue would take Anthony under her wing and follow him through the decades. She became his caregiver, friend, advocate and second mom. Sue made sure he was meticulously cared for. Sue spent weekends, nights and holidays away from her family to care for Anthony. She always answered our phone calls. She took him to medical appointments and spent nights at the hospital with him. We could go on and on.

Anthony endured many medical issues later in life. Sue was there for him until the day he died. No one knew Anthony better than she did. She loved Anthony. Her attention to his needs allowed family members to go on with their daily lives, confident that Anthony was in good hands. We will be forever grateful to Sue, along with caregivers and teachers who devote themselves to the task of loving and caring for our special needs brothers and sisters.

Anthony loved and was loved by several friends and family. His beloved parents Anthony and Carmen, brother Joe and wife Stephanie, sisters Rosie and Carol, brother-in-law John, nephews Johnny and Paulie. Big Sithee, Auntie Alice, cousin Mary and his godparents Bernard and Caroline.

Anthony didn’t earn any diplomas or degrees. He wasn’t even conversational. But Anthony was a teacher. He taught us all patience, to be more accepting, less judgmental and more empathetic.

Anthony resides in heaven with his Heavenly Father and loving parents in eternal comfort.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the March of Dimes.