Yan Shifrin

Yakov Hatskelevich Shifrin (Yan) passed away on October 11, 2025. Beloved husband of Tatyana; cherished father of Dmitry (wife Maureen) and Daniella; dear grandfather to Isabella, Jacob, Micah, and Amelia; cousin to Alex Shifrin, Mark Libin, and Inna and Arthur Hizh; and devoted and loyal friend to so many more.

Yan was born in post WWII Russia to his doting parents Hatskel and Bella and grew up playing in the schools and streets of Leningrad with cousins and friends who remained close to him despite time and distance. In 1975, he married his love, Tatyana, who could not have been a more devoted and constant friend and companion throughout their incredible journey and life in St. Louis. Yan had an immigrant’s stubborn desire to leave behind Russia in 1978 with Tatyana and their 2 year old son Dmitry to grow the family with a better life in the US. Yan worked all manner of job while learning enough English until he could become part of his chosen profession, engineering. No obstacle or challenge was too great for Yan and he quickly became an engineer, homeowner, businessman, and, most importantly to him, father of two children when he and Tatyana welcomed Daniella to their lives in 1986. Later, Yan was overjoyed to become a grandfather to four loving grandchildren. Yan’s commitment to everyone he knew and everything he did was unflinching. Once he truly knew you, he loved you like a family member forever, feeling your happiness and pain like his own. He had a curiosity and passion for learning and humanity that took him many places, and it was common to find multiple books in every room of his home that he would read simultaneously. He loved his St. Louis and Chelsea “Blues,” but nothing more than accomplishing his dream of growing a big family with Tatyana in the US. Yan will be celebrated and deeply missed. We love him now and forever.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are preferred to the American Heart Association, National Kidney Foundation, or an Israeli charity of your choice.

Service will be held on Thursday, October 16 at 12 noon, with visitation starting at 11:30am at Berger Memorial Chapel; 9430 Olive Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63132 followed by an interment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery; 650 White Rd. Chesterfield, MO 63017.