Robert YUHASZ

Robert (Bob) Joseph Yuhasz, age 76, passed away on April 21, 2026, at Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem, VA, surrounded by family. Bob was born on October 19, 1949, in Gary, WV, and was the 3rd of 5 sons of Zola Mae Johnson and John Louis Yuhasz. He grew up in Gary, WV, and graduated as a “Coal Digger” in 1967. He attended Bluefield College, where he played basketball and became lifelong friends with his then-roommate, Rick Wellons, and where he met his first wife, Mavis Slemp. After the birth of their daughter, Jennifer, they moved to Huntington, WV, where he graduated from Marshall University in 1971 with a BS in Business. They moved to Marion, VA, where he worked for Mouldings in the HR department and later worked for the Department of Social Services. He served the Marion community by refereeing multiple high school sports for the VHSL, volunteering with the Special Olympics, and actively participating with the Jaycees for many years while receiving multiple recognitions. He especially enjoyed participating in the Jaycees Old River House haunted house each year. In 1985, he moved to Waynesboro, VA, where he worked as the Head of the Department of Social Services.  In Waynesboro he met and married Mary Jennesse, had 2 children, Joseph and Natalie He continued to referee for the VHSL, and was a dedicated and active member of the Elks Lodge for years, serving as Exalted Ruler from 1990-1991. He retired and moved to Dublin, VA, in 2002 to help take care of his mom’s declining health.

If you knew Bob at any time over his life, you know what a wonderful person he was. He was a straight shooter and had a sense of humor that had to be appreciated. He loved home cooked meals and especially loved home grown tomatoes and cabbage rolls, His favorite activities over the years included boating, fishing and Waterskiing and playing basketball and racquetball. He loved playing golf and was a member of Holston Hills Country Club and Waynesboro Country Club. He enjoyed board games and all types of card games, but especially poker. Most recently his favorite past time was talking to Scott and figuring out the best and safest bets of the day. He enjoyed cross-word and sudoku puzzles and reading, especially John Grisham. He studied history and politics and spent a lot of time recently expressing his disfavor of Trump and his actions. He would appreciate those with similar feelings continue his daily satiric posts. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his children. Bob was a beloved father and friend and a beloved member of the communities he served. Bob needed and wanted little other than the peace and happiness of his children and grandchildren although he would have been pleased winning the lottery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Zola Yuhasz, his brothers Roger and Jack Yuhasz, his son, Joseph Alec Yuhasz, his grand nephew Reese Martin, and special pets Jasey and Lucy, who passed the same day as him.

He leaves behind his brothers, Eddie Yuhasz of Dublin,Va. and Bill Yuhasz (Susan), Mooresville, NC; his daughters Jennifer Yuhasz DeBow of Seymour, TN and Natalie Grace Yuhasz of Norfolk, Va; his grandchildren, Meredith Nicole, Megan Elizabeth, and Max Christian DeBow; and great-grandson Braylon Dale DeBow. In addition, he had many special nieces and nephews, cousins, and special friends: Scott (Mary)Engleman from Staunton,Va; Rick Wellons of Chesapeake Va and Pat Conklin of Marion Va.

Craven Shires is handling current arrangements, and a Celebration of Life will be held in Marion, Va. His funeral will be in Waynesboro, Va where he will be laid to rest with his son, Joseph. Dates will be determined and announced at a later date, The family would like to thank the multitude of health care providers that assisted in his care over the past 10 years. DeEtta Ray, Sherry Feeney, Duke EP Providers, and the ED staff at Pulaski and the ED, Endoscopy, and Neuro Trauma ICU staff and physicians at Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem, VA. Words do not begin to express how much we appreciate your efforts and kindness during this difficult time. Thank you also to Dave for all you have done to help us.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Bob’s name.