Obituary of Robert Yarusso

Robert Yarusso passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 5, 2015 at the age of 85. Nobody would have guessed when he was born on a kitchen table in the Bronx, New York that he would end up spending 60 years in Boulder, but he became a quintessential Boulderite. When he landed at the base of the Rocky Mountains at CU, he knew he had found his home. Bob was always a man of integrity and true to himself. He was a teacher through and through and made education his legacy to his family and community. One of the first German teachers in Boulder, he taught at Boulder High, Casey, Baseline, Platt, and Southern Hills Junior High Schools. His passion for foreign language was evident to all who knew him. Bob served in Germany in the occupation after World War II, 1950-1952. This initiated a love of travel, an appreciation of foreign cultures, and a fondness for a good German beer. Bob was also committed to healthy living and was a pioneer in natural and alternative therapies. He also loved swimming, reading, politics, films, and classical music. Bob possessed a great analytical mind. In all things he was perceptive, incisive, and philosophical. Cheryl and Bob found great joy in ballroom dancing and hiking in the mountain air together. Bob was a loving, devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cheryl Yarusso. He is also survived by two daughters, Gina (Bryan) Skene of Seattle, Washington and Maresa (Mark) Smith of Issaquah, Washington and four grandchildren, Sylvie, Dominick, and Francesca Skene and Dezi Smith. A celebration of his life will be held in June. Donations may be made to Tru Community Care Hospice of Boulder.