The Reverend Richard York Yerrington, 85, of Beacon Falls, husband of Penelope White Yerrington, died January 15 at Bridgeport Hospital, with his wife by his side.

Born in Hartford, October 30, 1930, he was the only child of Lillian Y. and Charles B. Yerrington.

Rev Yerrington most recently served as associate pastor of Newtown United Methodist Church in Sandy Hook.

He served his country in the US Army Reserves. Following his time in the Reserves, he graduated from Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, N.Y., with a certificate in advertising design, and then from the University of Connecticut with a BA in history. He then attended Yale Divinity School and graduated with a bachelor of divinity degree.

Ordained by the United Methodist Church in 1960, Rev Yerrington served the South Middletown UMC, was pastor of Memorial UMC of Avon, and was then senior pastor of Golden Hill United Methodist Church in Bridgeport until 1995.

He went on to serve as chaplain of the United Methodist Homes of Shelton, was interim pastor of Trumbull Congregational Church, and was a past president of the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport. He was active in many committees of the New York Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Rev Yerrington was also a member of the Salt Water Artist Gallery of Pemaquid Point, Maine.

In addition to his wife of 50 years, his memory lives on in his children and their spouses, Matthew B. and Kimberly Yerrington, Adam H. and Amy Yerrington, and Sarah L. and Lee Porter; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will take place Saturday, January 30, at 2 pm, at Golden Hill United Methodist Church, 210 Elm Street in Bridgeport. Family will greet visitors before the service and a reception will follow. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Funds of the Avon, Golden Hill, and Newtown United Methodist Churches.

Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.