Mikhail Yanovsky

Mikhail Yanovsky

January 26, 1949 - November 2, 2020

Mikhail Yanovsky, 71, longtime resident of Concord, CA died on November 2, 2020 after a long and tumultuous battle with Cardiovascular Disease and Dementia/Alzheimer's.

Mikhail was born in Chechelnik, Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine, the eldest of two children, where he lived until he attended college in Moscow. Growing up he was a loyal son and brother, taking great care of his sickly mother who suffered from paralysis. He was athletic and social, very close with classmates and neighbors in his small town. He was no stranger to hard work and grit, his family was blue collar with meager means, who understood the value of hardwork. In search for self-betterment, he left Chechelnik to attend college in Moscow where he obtained his degree in structural engineering with an emphasis in urban planning in 1974.  

In 1975, Mikhail was introduced to Silya Nudelman by a family friend, and within 3 months (on August 20, 1975), the pair was married in Odessa, Ukraine. The couple had two children together, Gennady born in 1977 and Biana subsequently in 1983. Mikhail was a structural engineer in Ukraine, responsible for urban planning. He had an immense sense of pride and responsibility for his work, being a sole provider for his family he never complained about his often long days at work. 

In 1989, Mikhail and his family received approval to immigrate to the United States. This new adventure brought an abundance of opportunity along with great challenges and debilitating fears.  At the age of 40, Mikhail embarked on a new life, settling in Pleasant Hill and subsequently Concord, California. He rose to the challenge and achieved the American Dream, home ownership, stable employment, better quality of life for his family. 

He worked at Acrylic Art in Emeryville for over 20 years, creating works of art with his hands. He was a hard worker, determined, devoted, relentless, on the road to the office at 5 AM every day, without complaint or protest of any kind. He never took anything for granted. In his free time, Mikhail enjoyed home improvement projects, gardening, vacationing, and spending time with family and friends. He adored his grandchildren and found much pleasure and solace in spending time with them. 

Mikhail survived a heart attack and triple bypass surgery at the age of 48, and resumed home improvements shortly after his surgery.  In 2010 he received his crippling diagnosis of Dementia/Alzheimer’s, but despite the news he fought hard to retain his independence. He fought tirelessly until his very last breath, it is his fighting spirit and strength that is at the core of who Mikhail Yanovsky was, and who we will all remember him as. 

Mikhail is survived by his wife (Silya), children (Gennady and Biana), sister (Klava), and his 4 grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents (Kolya and Basya).

A graveside service will take place at Oakmont Memorial Park & Mortuary at 2099 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette, CA, 925-935-3311 on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11:00 AM.

If you plan on attending the event - MASK's are required to minimize COVID-19 risk.

If you plan on attending virtually HERE is the zoom link.

https://oracle.zoom.us/j/2310102405?pwd=RWhhM3FEWlVhQlgyYjJicFIzN3VwUT09

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mikhail Yanovsky, please visit our Tree Store.