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Greg Yaroch Obituary
Greg grew up in Falls Church, Va., and often visited Cape Cod as a youth. After graduating from high school in Falls Church, he attended Northern Michigan University on a football scholarship and graduated in 1971, with a degree in marketing. After completing the U.S. Coast Guard's officer candidate program, he received his commission as a Coast Guard officer. In various duty stations he developed expertise in marine environmental protection. This eventually led to his role as federal incident commander in the cleanup of the 1985 ARCO Anchorage oil spill, Puget Sound's largest environmental disaster, for which he was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal.
After retiring from the Coast Guard in 1992, Greg ran the environmental compliance program for Tidewater Barge Lines in Vancouver, Wash. In 1996, he moved with his family to Cape Cod where he launched his own environmental consulting firm, The Paratus Group, which he ran until his death.
Over the years he participated in various church and community programs, and he especially enjoyed coaching his daughters' sports teams.
Greg was the son of Ernest and Audrey Yaroch of Fowlerville, Mich., both deceased. Recently divorced from Jeanie, his wife of 30 years, he is survived by his sister, Jean Opland, of Michigan; and his two daughters; and two grandsons. His older daughter, Alyssa Laurie, lives in South Dennis, and his second daughter, Brianne, resides in Charlotte, N.C.
Services will consist of visitation at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home on Route 6A, in Sandwich, on Monday, Nov. 26, from 4-7 p.m., with a funeral mass at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at Corpus Christi Church in Sandwich. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
Memorial donations may be made to the U.S. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to Coast Guard personnel. Go to www.cgmahq.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nina Lichlyter
November 30, 2007
Great Uncle Greg, Never really needed to be told you were my "Great" Uncle Greg, because everyone knew how great you really were. I'm sorry I didn't get the time that was needed to spend with you to get to know you really well, but I am greatful for the time I did get, even if it was at a time of mourning. I have heard so much about you from my mother, and my uncles, some pretty funny stories, and some pretty unusual ones, but still some pretty great things. I love you with all of my heart and I miss you dearly. Love Your Great Niece(Kathie Morgan's Granddaughter), Nina Marie Lichlyter
Jason Morgan
November 29, 2007
Jeanie and Girls, Though we have not seen much of each other, you all have always had a place in my heart. And right now, my heart is breaking knowing my uncle, your father, your husband has been taken from us far too soon for anyone to fathom. I always loved hearing his stories and he always knew how to make everyone laugh and that will be sorely missed. I wish I could have made it down to say my final goodbyes to a man I looked up to and will forever love with all my heart. I love you Greg and God's speed in your new role as a new angel in the heavens above. You are all have been and always will be in my heart. I love you all. God Bless
Frank Klucznik
November 28, 2007
I worked w/ Greg Yaroch in Seattle during the late 1980s as a young, newly married petty officer stationed at MSO Puget Sound. During our two years together, I found him to be an inspirational leader, model military officer, and consummate father figure. As a result, his influence on my life and family continues to this very day. As a testament, I would like to share a few of my most memorable moments w/ him.
Although Greg was more than 15 years my senior, I rarely if ever beat him on the racquet ball court during our routine lunchtime workouts. Now in my mid-40’s, my passion for racquet ball is still strong and now I am that older guy who regularly beats younger opponents.
Greg’s volunteer work and tactful witnessing to others was truly an inspiration. In fact, I still have the New Testament he presented me in his office during a very difficult day in my life. Following his example, I actively use my talents to assist church groups and other non-profit organizations in my community to help those in need.
Just prior to leaving Seattle in 1990, I purchased a country style rocking chair from Greg at his yard sale. His influence on me was so profound that I retained that piece of furniture as a keepsake until late last year when it simply wore out from use. That chair was used to rock all four of my children to sleep when they were babies and became a favorite resting place for our pets. Throughout the years, it was a constant reminder of Greg’s influence on my life.
We even shared a passion for the Cape, and he retired only minutes from where my wife and I were married there in 1985. I was fortunate enough to bump into Greg on numerous occasions throughout my Coast Guard career and we always enjoyed meaningful times together. I am profoundly sorry for you loss and will commit to regularly pray for him and his family for the rest of my life.
Kelly Lichlyter(Morgan)
November 27, 2007
Uncle Greg, I'm going to miss you so very much. It seems like it was just yesterday that you were here in Michigan with us, saying good-bye to my mother, you're sister. Now the Lord has seen to it that you are the next one in my life that He must have a special plan for because He took you as well as my mother way too soon to suit me. I know that we didn't see each other very often at all, but my thoughts and prayers were always with you and your family. Now I know that you will be able to see me whenever you choose to, and that gives me a little comfort in this time of sadness for me. I'll miss you and I love you with all of my heart. Rest in peace Uncle Greg. All my heart to you, Aunt Jeanie and to the girls as well, I Love You All, Kelly & Rick Lichlyter (Morgan) and Kids
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Drew Wojtanik
November 27, 2007
Jeanie and girls. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Greg's passing. He and I were shipmates in Seattle where we had some good times together. I was his right hand man during one big drill and we made a good team. I also was the investigating officer for the Arco Anchorage spill he oversaw. After he retired and took the job with Tidewater, I ran into him as I was a response contractor on contract with the EPA. We worked a couple of spills up on the Snake and Columbia Rivers. We respected each other for our positions and worked well together. Then, I also did some consulting work for him doing training classes and exercises mostly with Colonial Pipeline in NJ I believe. I remember meeting you at your home in Seattle, I believe for a promotion party you held, where I met you and the girls and I was so impressed by such a loving and beautiful family. I also have two girls a little older than yours. My condolences to you all. I always considered Greg a good friend and confidant and will keep him and you all in my prayers. I will miss him. We used to laugh a lot over phone calls in the past several years. If I had know about his passing a little more in advance I would have tried hard to attend the services. Absent that I had a mass said for him at Church on Sunday. Maybe he heard it. He is watching over you now and will help to steer you along life's path. I can hear Greg now say "when you get to the fork in the road - take it." (A Yoggism)
Emily DePalma
November 26, 2007
Alyssa,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are all in my thoughts during this time. All my love...
Doug Lentsch
November 26, 2007
To: Greg's Family
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. I was stationed with Greg in Seattle and came to know Greg as a compassionate, caring leader, and is someone that I will truly miss. I, too, have an environmental backgraound and we've spent hours discussing our related interests. I attend the International Oil Spill Conference, and seeing Greg was always one of the highlights of the visit. I'm sure that Greg left you all with many lasting memories that will see you through this difficult time and sustain you in the coming years.
Amy (Yaroch), Kelly, and Nicholas Carroll
November 26, 2007
Jeanie and girls,
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
RB Chambers
November 26, 2007
To Greg's Family
I was truely privileged to have worked with Greg during, many training sessions and the Athos spill in Philidelpia. He was our support here at PSEG's nuclear power plant, Salem/Hope Creek. During the Athos there were some long days, we spent many hours together and Greg made it much easier and enjoyable for all. We here at the Public Service Fire Department are truely sorry for your loss, and you all will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely Robbie Chambers
PSEG Fire Department
Kenneth Gralley
November 26, 2007
I am shocked and saddened by the passing of Greg, I considered him a friend and mentor.
Bob & Liz Knott
November 24, 2007
Dear Jeanie,
Our thoughts are with you and the girls. We were glad to have known Greg.
Stephanie Fields
November 24, 2007
Jeanie & family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. My husband Kyle Morse and I are former students of yours, and wanted to send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Sincerely, Stephanie Fields & Kyle Morse
Kate Nyari
November 24, 2007
Alyssa~You are never far from my thoughts and I pray that you will find peace during this difficult time.
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