Obituaries: 2025 to 2026

Jan. 1, 2026

Chuck Sharkey

Charles “Chuck” Sharkey, 76, of Camillus, N.Y., died on Dec. 9, 2025.

     Chuck was Senior Softball USA’s New York state director, a long-time manager and someone who touched the lives of many within and outside of the sport.

     He came to SSUSA in the early 2000s, mostly as a coach or manager, but stepping in as a player when needed.

     By 2009, he was named the New York state director for his talent and influence in the region and the Northeast Championships. He also was named Rookie Director of the Year that same year.

     “Chuck was instrumental in growing the sport not only in New York, but in the entire Northeast,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA’s chief executive officer. “He helped build the Northeast Championships into a signature event for the area. We – and the sport – will miss Chuck immensely.”

     Said Fran Dowell, SSUSA’s executive director, “He worked with the Syracuse parks, the hotels and the convention bureau to bring the best of the best to softball.”

     According to his online obituary, “Chuck had a lifelong passion for sports and competition. He was an avid softball coach, earning inductions into the National Softball Hall of Fame and achieving multiple league and tournament championships.”

     Sharkey was inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in the SSUSA Northeast Championships in Syracuse as part of the Class of 2024.

     “His Hall of Fame plaque and a number of championship shirts were on display with several championship rings” said Tony Campitello, an SSUSA director and player who attended Chuck’s celebration of life.

     Outside of senior softball, Chuck made a 40+ year career working as a pharmacist, and besides spending time with family, “he also enjoyed trivia, bowling—once rolling a perfect game—and cheering on the New York Mets,” added his online obituary.

     Chuck will best be remembered as manager of Fuccillo’s Athletics 55s and the Northeast Jackhammers 60-65s, both out of New York.

Betty Yacono

Elizabeth “Betty” Jean Yacono, 84, of Lake Zurich, Ill., died on Dec. 24, 2025.

     Betty, as she liked to go by, was a Senior Softball USA director along with her husband, Joe Yacono, before retiring in 2022.

     “She always loved the many friends we made doing the tournament in Las Vegas,” said Joe, referring to their work at the SSUSA World Championships.

     “Betty was such a great director,” said Fran Dowell, SSUSA’s executive director. “She was a true inspiration. Joe and Betty loved their Chicago softball and hosted many events there. Betty will be so missed for her kindness and beautiful heart.”

     Outside of senior softball, she is remembered for his deep faith and joy for life. “She never turned down a roller coaster ride with her grandchildren, was often the first of those on the dance floor at family celebrations… cheering on her husband at softball games… taking a chance on the slots at a casino, traveling on a road trip with her family, or enjoying good food and drinks around the dinner table,” according to her online obituary.

David T. Bush

David Thomas Bush, 90, of Gulf Breeze, Fla., died on Feb. 8, 2025.

     David’s history with Senior Softball USA starts in the late 1990s, but his most active years with SSUSA was 2008 to 2020.

     “A lifelong athlete, he loved basketball, tennis, golf, bowling, skiing and softball,” according to his online obituary. David was inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame as the Class of 2020 as a Pioneer Player.

     “Dave was one of the best softball players that I have ever played with,” said Hugh Brotherton, manager of Center For Sight 85s of Florida. “He could drive the ball deep as well hit over .800 at our many tournaments. Dave was also great leader on and off the field.”

     Before his senior softball days, he served in the Navy from 1952 to 1955 and later found a career after college as an accountant for AT&T.

     David will best be remembered playing with Ed’s Aluminum Buildings 60s & 70s (FL), Georgia Peaches 75s, Florida Investment Properties 80s and Center For Sight 85s (FL).

Jim M. Fulks

James “Jim” Fulks, 81, of Maumelle, Ark., died on July 5, 2025 due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

     Jim had a long history of playing with Senior Softball USA, starting in the 1990s before stopping in 2022.

     After his retirement in 2001 Maumelle, Arkansas, Jim “thought his softball years were over,” said his online obituary. "But by turning 50 that year, he was eligible to play Senior Softball.”

     “He soon was a team manager, coach, and pitcher, for a traveling senior team. He and his wife, Bonnie, traveled to many locations around the United States playing ball, meeting new friends and having a great time,” the obituary added.

     He was inducted into the Arkansas Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2015 and part of the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

     Outside of senior softball, he enjoyed his involvement in church and golf. Before Jim’s senior softball days, he served in the Army and made a 37-year career in life insurance across Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois.

     Jim will best be remembered for playing and managing The Crackerbox 65-70s, which later changed their name to Boyd Metals 70s (AR) and LOTA Softball 80s (TX).

Rudy Duran

Rudy Duran, 73, of Pomona, Calif., died on Oct. 6, 2025.

     Rudy had a long history playing with Senior Softball USA, starting in 2007, playing with many Southern California teams.

     Born and raised in Pomona, much of his life revolved around sports. In high school, he played football, baseball and track. “A true competitor, Rudy was a passionate softball player, earning him the nickname of “Grouch” of the diamond,” according to his online obituary.

     A devoted family man, he would often attend his grandkids’ games, coaching from the stands. He was also known for his skills, from crafting equipment for his grandkids’ sports to handmade cribs for each of his daughter’s first borns.

     In the senior softball community, Rudy will be best remembered playing with So Cal (Gusto) 55-60s, Git-R-Done 55, 65-70s, SoCal Warriors 65s, Godzilla 65s and West Coast All Stars 70s, all from California.

Randy Brookens

Randall Lee Brookens, 67, of Waynesboro, Penn., died peacefully on Oct. 14, 2025.

     Randy joined Senior Softball USA back in 2013, retiring after the 2024 season.

     He was very loyal to his team, Roadhouse Blues 50-55s of New Jersey. The team changed their name to Olympian Athletics 55-60s in 2015 and disbanded after the 2023 season. During the 2024 season, he played with Pill & Pill 65s (WV) and Anchor Mechanical 60s (MD) before retiring.

     Randy was very active, “Up until the time of his illness, he was an avid hunter and was still playing competitive softball and trail riding on his dirt bikes,” according to his online obituary.

Victor Herrera

Victor “Jay” Alfonso Herrera, 41, of L.A., died on Oct. 21, 2025.

     Victor joined Senior Softball USA right as he turned 40 years old to play with GENESIS/ONYX/BG, also of L.A. He played with the in 2024 and 2025, for TOC Qualifiers in Southern California and Las Vegas.

     “On and off the field you were a beautiful force with the ability to make anyone smile,” one friend, MJ Friel, said on his online obituary, where scores of friends and family members went to share loving photos and memories of Victor.

     “You are greatly loved and missed. I can’t help but laugh at the great times we had joking around playing ball, playing cards and going on little adventures,” MJ added.

Chris Satterfield

Christopher “Rabbit” James Satterfield, 51, of Glendora, Calif., died on Oct. 21, 2025.

     Chris, or Rabbit, and most friends called him, played with Senior Softball USA from 2015 to 2018.

     “Rabbit’s presence on the softball field was known by always wearing a beanie, even in 100-degree weather!,” according to his online obituary.

     “Rabbit/Chris has always been known as a very family-oriented, strong, intelligent, very funny, lovable, kind of guy,” his obituary added.

     Rabbit will be best remembered for playing with Worth/Loaded Sports 40s (CA), Battleborn/Loaded Sports 40s (CA), Desert Springs 40s (NV) and Flawless 40s (CA).

Jim Fobert

James “Jim” J. Fobert, 71, of Moline, Ill., died peacefully on Nov. 5, 2025.

     Jim may have only played in one Senior Softball USA qualifier back in 2015, but his presence in the Quad City Senior Softball League and in his community spoke volumes.

     “Jim managed the best A team in the [QCSS] league for several years and was their leadoff hitter,” said Jim Goff, president of the league. “He was inducted into the QCSSL Hall of Fame in 2015. We extend our deepest condolences to Jim’s family.”

     “Jim enjoyed playing in the senior softball league… A devoted grandfather, he cherished the time spent cheering on his grandchildren in their various sports, including soccer, baseball, and softball,” according to his online obituary.

     Outside of senior softball and family, he spent 30 years as a firefighter, with six years as Rock Island Fire Chief from 2010 to retirement in 2016, and president of the Illinois Association of Retired Firefighters. Before firefighting, he also drove ambulances.