05/15/2013
Former Yaun Co. leader passes away
March 2nd, 2011
Liberty, N.Y. — Richard H. Yaun passed away on January 23 at his Minneola, Fla., home at the age of 89.
RH, as he was known, was very active in community activities and a successful businessman. He founded Yaun Metal Products in 1946, and was instrumental in merging RD Yaun Supply into what is currently Yaun Company Inc. He was president of the family owned business for 20 years. The YaunCo Report was his idea of communication between the wholesaler and dealer. Articles cover sales and service, new products, news about principal manufacturers, and introduce Yaun Company personnel.
Under his leadership, Yaun Company became a flourishing regional plumbing, heating, and electrical wholesaler, serving 28 counties of New York State, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The 88-year-old company has its headquarters in Liberty with branches in New Paltz and Albany, N.Y.
He made countless friendships with people from all walks of life and took leadership positions in his activities. RH was one of the early presidents of the New York State Plumbing and Heating Wholesalers Assn. and a director of the American Institute, a national trade association for wholesale distributors.
Married for 66 years, he is survived by his wife Scharma, sons Richard H. (Nancy), Clayton, Daniel (Hazel), Radford (Meredith), daughters Gretchen (Alan Willi), Talis (Lance Berg), Katherine, 13 grandchildren and 4 great grand children. RH loved his family and was proud of all his children and grand children. He was a musician and loved to play for his children. In his retirement he cultivated several hobbies, including antique car restoration, stained glass design and gardening. He loved golf and missed being able to play the game. He will now be joining his regular foursome.
