Professor Michael John Yavenditti

Professor Michael John Yavenditti passed away on May 13, 2021 in Salisbury, NC.
Surviving family members include: Mary Lu Nuckols Yavenditti, his wife, of Salisbury, NC; their 
sons, David Edmund Yavenditti, of Chapel Hill, NC; and James Allen
Yavenditti and his wife, Elizabeth Neary Yavenditti, and their children Anna Katherine and William 
John Yavenditti, all of Ridgefield, CT. Other family members are Mr.
Yavenditti 's sister, Kate Yavenditti and her husband, Lawrence Christian of San Diego, CA; their 
son, Scott Christian and his wife, Tessa Mutscheller Christian, and their son,
Julian Christian of La Mesa, CA.
Prof. Yavenditti earned a BA at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA; an MA at the
University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC; and a PhD in History at the University of 
California in Berkeley, CA.
He taught at Alma College in Alma, MI for 38 years in American History, Latin American History, and 
Russian History. He also served as chairman of the History Department and was faculty advisor for 
pre- law students. He was chosen as an Alma College Outstanding Faculty Member in 1980, 1985, 1995 
and 1998. He was awarded with the Barlow Award for Faculty Excellence 1984 and 1991.
Professor Yavenditti shared his love of learning, especially of history, with his students. He made 
his classes interesting and relevant. He was a friend, a mentor and an example for his students. He 
set high academic standards and would go out of his way to motivate his students to achieve success 
and to keep getting better.
He had stacks of books by his chair. He was always reading, everything from history and biography 
to novels, comedies and mysteries. He was kind, loving, honorable, funny,
hardworking and inspiring. He was here to help others and had a strong sense of duty. He took great 
care of his family, friends and students.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alma College in Alma, Michigan, 48801. A memorial 
service may be scheduled for later this year.
Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Yavenditti family.

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