Isidro “Rosey” Yanez, Jr., 62, of Santa Paula, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 in Santa Paula. Isidro was born in Gilroy, CA to Isidro and Lucy Yanez on March 1, 1958. He went to Santa Paula High School and graduated in 1976. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California Santa Barbara and a master’s degree in counseling from the California State University Northridge. He returned back to University of California Santa Barbara to pursue a PhD in psychology and was nearly finished when he decided to follow his passion and dreams and become a professional musician.
From the time he was in elementary school, Isidro enjoyed playing the saxophone and brought a unique sound and soulful blend of jazz to so many of our hearts. He performed with many greats, including the Grammy award winner Little Joe Y La Familia and blues great Coco Montoya. His talents allowed him to tour across the United States, Europe, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and South America. He also gave private saxophone lessons and was an inspiration to his many students.
He was passionate about his LA sports teams, going to the movies, and listening to live music. He valued his relationship with his family and close friends. He had a brilliant mind and was just as knowledgeable about current affairs and the history of great sax players, as he was about who was better Kobe Bryant or LeBron James.
Isidro is survived by his parents, Isidro and Lucy of Santa Paula; his brother, Randy (Maria) Yanez; his sister, Denise (Ivan) Velez; nephews, Joshua (Natalie) Yanez, Dustin (Cristal) Yanez, and Shane Velez; as well as his niece Kiani Velez. A celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks and details will be shared soon.
His music will remain in our hearts forever!