In loving memory of

Robert M Yatsko
August 29, 1965 - October 20, 2020

Robert Michael Yatsko, 55, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 after 7-month battle with Brain Cancer.

Born August 29, 1965 in Newport, Rhode Island, Robert grew up and resided most of his life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He also lived in North Carolina and Hawaii, before returning to Newport to work on a government contract at NUWC.

Robert was predeceased by his father and mother, Michael Paul Jr. and Suzanne and survived by his son Matthew, former wife Sharlott, sister Michelle, her husband Ryan, his niece Mallory, fiancée Jade, and her son Owen and her mother Catherine, as well as several aunts', uncles and cousins.

Robert was a devoted son, brother, partner, father, uncle, and friend. His heart and spirit drew the people around him in with warmth love and hospitality. He welcomed the people around him in as family. His kindness was a beacon, and he always went out of his way to make sure that everyone around him felt appreciated, special and welcome. You mattered to Robert, and he wanted to make sure you knew that.

He adored the kids in his life, often taking time to sit with them just to see what was going on in their lives. Matt, Mallory, and Owen all benefited from his presence and he would light up when he talked about them.

Robert loved to travel, and New York City was one of his favorite places to visit, but he loved exploring Newport, often discovering and rediscovering hidden gems here. He was always up for trying something new, and his enthusiasm for life was infectious.

Robert loved music, having played the French Horn and other instruments in his high school band. He enjoyed live music, and he and Jade would travel to attend music festivals throughout New England with friends.

Robert enjoyed people, and when he decided he needed a change of pace, he started working at Newport Craft Brewery. He enjoyed bartending because it gave him the opportunity to meet all different people, and he took great pride in the level of hospitality he provided. He made some great friends among the brewery staff due to his generous spirit and strong work ethic.

In the final months of his life, Robert enjoyed exploring RI with Jade, getting out in the wonderous beauty of Aquidneck Island, bird watching, or just listening to music.

Because of Covid-19, Robert worried about the safety and wellbeing of everyone he cared about. His burial will be private, but Robert and his family asks that if you wish to honor his life that you pay it forward, doing a kind deed or an act of kindness in his Memory, and that you celebrate Robert's life in your own way.

Tributes

Kelly Green wrote on May 10, 2022:

"My condolences to the family, this is so tragic, Robert was an incredibly talented young man my best memories come from Band 1983 and 1984, Robert was an awesome Drum Major we were truly a family and took great pride in placing first very often in our competitions. I am seeing this for the first time and just cannot believe Robert has passed, may he rest in peace he will never be forgotten. "

Jackie Clarke wrote on Sep 12, 2021:

"Dear Michelle, My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear brother. Siblings carry a piece of our hearts in theirs forever and ever always. Thinking of you and your family. We miss your Dad and Mom. very much. God Bless. Jackie & Ken Clarke"

Julie Chapman wrote on May 30, 2021:

"Dear yatsko family so very sorry for your loss of your son and family member. My deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers are with you all. I knew Robert from kellam high class of 84 we graduated together i didn\'t know him that well but heard about what a great friend and guy he was , i just remember how smart and talented he was in. School and in band. I will always have fond memories of watching him perform with the school band, He was an awesome guy. Julie Cassidy Chapman "

Kara Schiavone wrote on Oct 28, 2020:

"A donation to the Tomorrow Fund which helps children with cancer and their families was made in Rob?s honor. He was such a lovely addition to our friend group. He was kind and generous and made special gifts for my 8 year old daughter. He made time for her and made her feel special. He made me feel equally special as well. He was such a good listener and I loved his proper manners and old fashioned values. Jade made such an excellent choice in a man. "

Cindy Donovan wrote on Oct 24, 2020:

"I didn\'t know Rob, but am a friend of Michelle and Mallory. I was so saddened to hear about the family\'s loss. My husband died of the same type of cancer and I know the terrible pain you experience when you loose someone too soon. You will be in my thoughts and prayers! Know that I am here for anything you need."

Andrew Fitzpatrick wrote on Oct 24, 2020:

"I remember when I first met Rob, it was back in 2005, a mutual friend invited me over to Rob?s place for a Halo LAN party. We all had a good time, although I have to admit he wasn?t a big fan of mine by the end of the night, due to a little too much smack talk from me; in my defense it was all in levity. I didn?t know at the time having just met him, but he could get worked up if pushed too far and had the nick name ?Uncle Buck? for it. Much to his credit he reigned in his temper and simply asked ?Are we gonna have to drop the paddles?? That?s a story we often laughed about over the years arguing different point of views. However, this is not the first memory I think of when we met, no, my first memory of meeting him is at the beginning of the night. Rob welcomed me into his home like I was an old friend he hadn?t seen in a while, maybe this is what lead me to talking smack over video games. Not that I am in the habit of talking like that to people who treat me well, but he made me feel so comfortable that I forgot my manners and I treated him like I had known him for years, after that of course we became good friends. Rob?s general sense of ease was disarming and his good humor was endearing. He would often have a story to get me laughing ?til I was in tears and wheezing. I also owe much credit to Rob, for my success, due to his confidence in me and constant positive reinforcement. Rob I?m so sorry I wasn?t there for you. I?m gonna miss you so much, brother, I love you. -Drew "

Cedric Solice wrote on Oct 23, 2020:

"Never met a kinder, warmer spirit in a man than Rob. I learned some awesome lessons in our brief and few interactions, but the most important was how to be a great father. I watched in awe every time how Rob would talk to and teach Matthew. If I am ever blessed enough to have a child, boy or girl, and I can be even 10% the father Rob was I will have done a great job as a parent. Heaven got another Angel back from Earth. Thank you Rob for reminding us of the essence of the human spirit in all the beautiful ways you shared it with us. Humanity is better because of you. You are loved and will forever be missed. And Matthew, you got this. Your father taught you well. Trust what he gave you and your compass in life will take you exactly where you need to go. We are all here for you. Uncle Kevin knows how to find me. Rest in peace good and faithful Rob. Love, Cedric"

Arnold Bowie wrote on Oct 23, 2020:

"Robert was a big part in my love for marching band at Kellam and the marching Art he will surely miss him"

Collette Williams wrote on Oct 23, 2020:

"Robert you are special. A genuine, caring, and kind soul. I\'m blessed that a part of my life had you in it. You won\'t be forgotten. RIP Robert."

Stacey Hugo Mansfield wrote on Oct 23, 2020:

"I met Robert years ago when we worked at the Holiday Inn down at the Oceanfront. He was one of the fun ones and I enjoyed working with him. Not long after, one of my best friends (Sharlott) told me about this guy she was dating - nice, funny, loves music. Small world. Prayers to Sharlott and Matthew, and to Jade."

Mark Sokolowski wrote on Oct 23, 2020:

"I will always remember and cherish the times we spent together when you spent time at the family camp in Canada. Rip old friend"

Julius wrote on Oct 23, 2020:

"Many memories of him during marching band at Kellam H.S. come to mind. He was very passionate in that endeavor."

Joseph Rastelli wrote on Oct 23, 2020:

"Prayers and condolences to Bert,s family. He was a good friend and employee at NUWC. His famous saying was?Don?t worry I got your back? and he meant it. He will be missed. God bless Bert and his family."

Susanna Castillo Wallace wrote on Oct 23, 2020:

"Sending much love to all. Robert will be missed beyond words. Never forgotten ??"