Obituary of Allan G Yerdon

Allan G. Yerdon, 84, of Schenectady, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, October 29th, 2021. He was born on October 11,1937 in Gloversville, NY. The son of the late Milton and Charlotte (Beach) Yerdon; predeceased by his brother, Laurence Yerdon. A 1955 graduate of Johnstown High School, he then moved to Florida to attend Cosmetology school. He moved back to Schenectady and opened Jon Alan Coiffeurs in 1960 until 1996. During his early career, Allan developed a passion for all things food. He entered the culinary program at Schenectady Community College, and the rest of his cooking knowledge was self-taught. He started with making desserts for several restaurants in the Schenectady area out of the family kitchen, and in 1985, he opened The Bijou Café on McClellan St until 1988. He also started a private catering business, A Touch of Class Catering, until 2015. He continued to cater small events throughout the local community, including holiday events at Union College.

                Allan loved to travel, especially exploring different countries throughout Europe and Mexico. During his travels, he studied Italian cooking in Italy while traveling with his best friend of 60 years, Bob Silverman.

                Allan had a fierce passion for the Fine Arts, which was elevated by his close friendships with concert pianist Juana Zayas and opera singer Carl Tanner. He was extremely active with the Schenectady Light Opera and Young Musicians Forum. Over the years, he donated his services for hair and makeup for the Northeast Ballet and Myers Studio production of “The Nutcracker,” at Proctors Theater, as well as performed in the production as Mother Ginger and other various roles, from the 1970’s until his final performance in 2015.

                During Allan’s downtime, as an avid pianist himself, he enjoyed playing the piano, reading, he loved tackling the New York Times crossword puzzles, quiet weekends with his family at Schroon Lake, vacationing at Green Lake, and in his later years, vacationing with his family in Florida.

                Allan leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Carol Yerdon (Sekac), his children, Blair Yerdon (Melissa), Alison Shuler (Randy), and Dana Yerdon; Grandfather to Thomas, Christopher, Charlee, Mason and Alexis, and one great granddaughter. Also, his sister-in-law, Donna Yerdon, favorite uncle to Bradley Yerdon, one niece, and best friends to Bob Silverman, Tom Nigolian, John Fowler and Cathy Warren, just to name a few.

                The family would like to thank Baptist Nursing Home and Hospice for their care and support of Allan and his family.

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 6th, from 1pm to 4pm, with a prayer service at 3pm, at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St. Schenectady, NY 12309. In lieu of flowers, donations can be to the Northeast Ballet Co and Myers Studio at northeastballetco.org, and the Young Musicians Forum at 1753 Wendall Ave, Schenectady, NY. 12307. To leave condolences please visit www.jonesfh.net