Always on the move, Jeff Yusko of Wainscott had a reputation as an Energizer Bunny type of person, his family said. When he wasn’t working at P.C. Richard and Son in Southampton or coaching one of his children’s sports teams, he was moving — running, biking, walking on the beach with his dog, Chance, and working around the house. “Even in his down time, he found peace in activity,” his family wrote.
Mr. Yusko, a 1978 graduate of East Hampton High School who was a gym teacher there for a short time, died on Nov. 19 at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. The cause was complications of a traumatic brain injury he sustained about 18 months ago when he was struck by a car while riding his bike. He was 64.
“Even with four kids, a busy career, and countless responsibilities, he found time for everything that mattered to us — games, pets, big achievements, and small ones,” one of his sons, Tyler Yusko, said in a eulogy. “His sacrifices, his kindness, and his unwavering dedication will always be the foundation of our family.”
Working at P.C. Richard and Son for 19 years, he had a reputation as an outgoing person eager to help others, his family wrote.
Jeffrey Scott Yusko was born in Port Chester, N.Y., on Oct. 22, 1960, to Albert Yusko and the former Phyllis Cwik. He grew up in Montauk and attended Hofstra University, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1982, and Long Island University, where he earned a master’s degree.
He and Kelly Keller were married in August of 1988 and settled in Wainscott, where Ms. Yusko works as a schoolteacher.
“To my siblings and I, he was our coach, mentor, cheerleader, and best friend,” Tyler Yusko said. “But most importantly, he was Dad. If I can be even half the dad as he was one day, I’ll consider that a life well lived.”
After his bicycle accident in May of 2023, the community rallied around the Yusko family with fund-raisers and other supportive efforts. “We want to take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported Jeff and our family during this incredibly difficult journey over the last 18 months,” his family wrote. “Your kindness and compassion have been a source of strength for us.”
In addition to his wife and son Tyler, who continue to live in Wainscott, Mr. Yusko leaves two other sons, Brady Yusko of Wainscott and Cameron Yusko and his wife, Sarah, of Westhampton Beach, and a daughter, McKenzi Greco, and her husband, Brian, of Stamford, Conn. A sister, Kris Bonneau of Aquebogue, also survives, as do many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mr. Yusko was cremated. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in East Hampton, where the Rev. Ryan Creamer officiated at a funeral Mass on Friday.
