Carl Edward Yohans Jr. obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Carl Edward Yohans Jr. (“Bud” or “Buddy”), died peacefully of natural causes on January 17th 2026 at his home at the Whitney Center in Hamden CT at 100 years old. He was born on May 10, 1925, son of Carl Edward Yohans and Irene Phillips Yohans and was a life-long resident of Morris Cove, New Haven.

After graduation from Hillhouse High School in 1943, he enlisted in the Army where he was trained as a Demolition Specialist. He was sent to Europe in 1944 and served in the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in France. He was taken prisoner in November 1944, was liberated by US Army Forces at the end of the war, and honorably discharged in November 1945.

On return to civilian life, Carl worked as a draftsman for Pratt & Whitney and spent several years as a writer, publishing several articles and short stories before returning to University of Bridgeport for his bachelor’s degree. He then taught mathematics at Amity Junior High School in Orange CT until he retired in 1992.

Carl was an avid traveler and golfer, a competitive bridge player, a photographer with a keen eye, and an ambitious gardener. He traveled throughout Europe and in Asia, returning multiple times to Hong Kong, Thailand and Kashmir. He hiked through the Alps in Switzerland and the Himalayas. He achieved a life master level in bridge and played regularly up until his death. Although he golfed at courses throughout the US and world, he particularly enjoyed golfing with friends at the Sleeping Giant Golf Club surrounded by fall foliage. Friends and family all benefited from the bounty of vegetables and flowers that came each year from his extensive garden; his rhubarb and tomatoes will be particularly missed.

Although he had many interests and talents, Carl will be remembered first and most fondly for his warm heart, generosity and love of a social gathering. His large circle of friends, more than 80 of whom gathered for celebration of his 100th birthday in 2025, will remember his annual July 4th parties, his love of games and a sing-along, his leadership on the dance floor and his endless enthusiasm for bringing groups together to share a meal, particularly at the Elm City Club. His family, both given and chosen, will never forget his generosity and loyalty in celebration of every birthday, holiday or family event.

He is predeceased by his parents and sister, Barbara Wogrin and her husband Conrad, and by his committed partner of over 30 years, Arlene Leshine. He leaves his nieces Nancy Confrey, Carol Wogrin and Sandy Warren and their families; and two nieces claimed as family, Lynn Cooper and Nancy Donlon, daughters of his lifelong friend Malcom Meinsen and his wife Ruth by whom he was also predeceased.

A memorial service will be held at Whitney Center in Hamden, 200 Leeder Hill Dr. at 1 pm on Sunday, February 1st. Burial will be private. Donations in his name would be gratefully acknowledged at the Connecticut Foodshare (www.ctfoodshare.org).