Joseph “Joe” P. Yarasavych, (Yarra) 76, a lifetime resident of Easthampton died on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. He passed peacefully with the love of his family near after a period of declining health.
Joseph was born the son of the late Theresa (Naughton) and Joseph G. Yarasavych on October 12, 1946, in Northampton, MA. He was educated locally and graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Northampton class of 1965.
He was a patriot and a proud American. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 12, 1965, during the Vietnam War. He served as a Hospital Corpsman aboard the U.S.S. Simon Lake, AS-33, a submarine tender. The “Lake” as it was called was stationed in Holy Loch, Scotland. Joe was the recipient of the National Service Medal, Oversees Deployment Ribbon and Honorable Discharge Medal. Joe was honorably discharged on October 2, 1969, at the rank of Hospital Corpsman 2nd. Class E-5.
Joe met the love of his life while stationed in Scotland and on January 23, 1971, he exchanged vows with Christina M. McKenna at the Immaculate Conception Church in Easthampton. They were married with family and friends in attendance and have been married for fifty-two years.
Joe was employed by the Veterans Administration in Leeds in the Department of Pharmacology for over thirty years before his retirement.
He enjoyed many things in life. He was an avid golfer, bowler and pool player. Joe played in many regional leagues over the years. Time was spent going to the track with his friends. Trips were made to Saratoga, The Preakness, The Belmont and of course, The Kentucky Derby. Joe loved all the New England sports teams. He would go to games or watch them on TV. Mostly, Joe was a loving and caring husband and father. He was kind, patient and very giving. Joe was on the Board of Directors for the Hampshire County Association of Retarded Citizens. He was also a founding member of the Board of Directors for Riverside Industries in Easthampton. Joe was a longtime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Easthampton.
Mr. Yarasavych is survived by his wife, Christina M. Yarasavych of Easthampton. His children; Paul-Micheal T. McKenna and his wife, Lisa of Montague. Eric J. Bemis of Easthampton, Elizabeth T. Yarra of Easthampton, Christianna S. Yarasavych of Easthampton, David J. Yarasavych of Easthampton. His brother, John J. Yarasavych and his wife, Kristie of Aiken, S.C.. Grandchildren; Bethany A. Demers and her husband, Jay of Montague, Heather S. Looman and her husband, Jake of Buckland, Alison M. McKenna of Greenfield and Dominic Slavis of Easthampton. Great-grandsons, Kahle M. Demers of Montague and Warner J. Looman of Buckland. His best friends, Ken Douglas and his wife, Linda of West Springfield and Emil Schanzer and his wife, Pat of Easthampton. In addition, he is survived by, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Joe is pre-deceased by his daughter, Cynthia A. Yarra on December 12, 2000, and his son, William J. Dixon on October 27, 2021.
Calling hours will take place on Monday, March 20, 2023 from 6 to 8pm. at the Boucher-O’Brien Funeral Home, 7 Pleasant St. A Mass with Christian burial rights will occur on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10am. in Our Lady of the Valley, 33 Adams St. with burial to follow in the family lot with military honors at Brookside Cemetery, Williston Ave. all in Easthampton, MA. 01027. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Joseph P. Yarasavych to: Riverside Industries 1 Cottage St. Easthampton, MA. 01027 or to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave. STE. 1100 N. Bethesda, MD. 20814. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
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