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Francis Yusko Obituary
Francis Gary (Frank) Yusko, teacher, firefighter, holocaust scholar and movie producer died Wednesday afternoon March 10, 2021 at St. Peters University Hospital in New Brunswick. He finally, mercifully expired after a long and arduous battle with multiple sclerosis.
Frank was a member of the 1979 graduating class at Trenton State College in Ewing and was a history teacher for over 30 years at several area high schools. His most recent and longest tenure was at Spotswood High School where he founded the school history club that disbanded when he retired.
He is survived by his sister Michele and 2 brothers Mike and Andy as well as 6 nieces Johanna Enlow, Meg Murawski, Breeanna Garcia, Christin Destini Yusko, Eleanor Yusko and Samantha Yusko along with 2 nephews Freddy Goepel and Andrew Yusko and many friends.
Funeral services are private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Yusko
Frank McCarthy
March 18, 2021
Rest in Peace Mr. Yusko, you were a great teacher and friend to all your students at St. Mary's H.S. South Amboy. Your History class was always educational and at the same time entertaining. Life lessons were always woven into the class, which was always a plus. May God Bless your loved ones in this great time of loss .
Phil & Elizabeth Panzarella
March 17, 2021
What a great loss to us all! Fran, has been a beacon of light in our community! He will be deelply missed by us all! Our deepest sympathesies to his sister, brothers and family. God bless!
Meg Murawski
March 17, 2021
Beautifully written obituary, although I still prefer the original :) ... RIP Uncle G.
Nicole Kimball Breedlove
March 17, 2021
Rest In Peace Mr Yusko. You were a great teacher at SHS and History activist for Spotswood
John A. Anderson
March 17, 2021
Frank and I met when I was coaching at St. Pius X HS. He was coaching football and I basketball. We always go along especially since we both were Social Studies teachers. Little did we know we were the last two finalists for a job at Mater Dei HS. They needed a Social Studies teacher and a coach. He actually would have had the job but decided not to take it. They hired me to assist basketball and head coach tennis. Once in awhile I would see him later especially at Spotswood HS. Always doing the best teaching, coaching or running a club (especially the History club). Glad I got to meet you. Your perseverance was admirable. R.I.P.
Becky Craggan
March 17, 2021
Mr. Yusko was our criminal justice teacher - inspired an interest I still hold til this day. He will be missed, bless him at rest.
Pete Clark
March 17, 2021
Sincere sympathies to the family,Frank and I worked on some Veterans Programs when I was at North Brunswick,his club in Spotswood was a model for all of us in Social Studies,Dedicated and Sincere as a professional,May God Bless,Pete Clark
Rich
March 16, 2021
My brother Frank it is with a heavy heart that I must admit you were a better friend and man to me and most other people than they were to you! I know you are with the lord ! That's where you belong!
Terry Farley
March 16, 2021
Frank and I were classmates in high school. He was a football star; I was a nerd. I was a pal of his cousin, Cheryl Wiley, when we were at Pius. Fast forward many years and we worked together with our other classmates to organize a reunion. I was working on death penalty issues and we got to talk to his classes about representing people on death row. He was so clearly beloved by his students. I love you, Frank.
Jerry Bonanno
March 16, 2021
Fran had a great personality and a good sense of humor. I'm sure he will be sorely missed.
Gloria Dongara
March 16, 2021
I will forever remember going to Frank's home when I was staying across the street at Carol Rusher's house and we would listen to the best music - one night it was the first time I heard "Strange Magic" by ELO and it became one of my all time favorites. I have thought of Frank every time I have heard that song since 1971 and will continue to think of my friend and our wonderful high school years! Rest in peace my friend!
Tracey Tice Cook
March 16, 2021
Thank you Frank for awakening in me a love of History that only continued to grow. Thank you for being kind to my family throughout our 30+ years of friendship, you never stopped thinking of them, helping them, praying for them. You were a special man and a wonderful friend. I will miss your messages your humor your determination and your spirit. Fly high my friend!
Chas costello
March 16, 2021
Requiescat in pace Frank! An inspiration to all teachers of history, a friend to NJ history, and a man with the guts to fight a long war against MS. Your name will be a blessing!
Brendan Cyrus
March 16, 2021
Mr. Yusko ran the Octogon club while I was in high school. This club and the experiences I had while participating have imbued me with a lifelong commitment to service to my community and I can only imagine the ripple effect of good the club has inspired through its participants. Mr. Yusko was a great man and a fighter.
Linda Bellizia Hagen
March 16, 2021
Thank you for being my friend and for being so very passionate about your work. Our friendship has span over 40 years. We shared many wonderful memories together including coming to my wedding. I will miss your emails wishing me a Happy Birthday as our birthdays were the same week in August. I will miss your humor, your dedication, your love for your family and the work that you did. Rest well, my friend. May the Blessed Mother wrap her loving arms around you and your family. Love, Bizz
Kathy Ruela
March 16, 2021
So saddened to hear of Frank's passing. I was a colleague of his at Spotswood High School. He did so much for the students and brought an awareness of history thoughout and our military to them. My sincere sympathy to you. Sincerely, Kathy Ruela
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