Joseph A. Yacino

Joseph A. Yacino, 91, of Douglas passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.  

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sandra (Messier) Yacino; 3 sons Joseph Yacino and his husband, Bryan of Jensen Beach, FL; Christopher Yacino and his wife Susan of Dudley; Eric Saviano and his wife Erin of Northbridge; his daughter Jamie Saviano and her fiancé, Bob Martin of Millville.  He also leaves 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren - one recently born and five in Florida that he unfortunately never met; his brother Michael and his wife Debra of Douglas, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Joanna Rhody, on November 8, 1989, and his son, Peter Yacino, on May 19, 2026.  He was the brother of Frank S.P. Yacino, who passed on September 15, 2025. 

Born in Whitinsville on May 16, 1935, Joe was the son of Frank A. and Philomene M. (Vecchione) Yacino. Joe graduated from Douglas High School in 1953 and began working as a machinist at Hamilton Standard in Connecticut. At age 19, he joined the U.S. Army and after basic/advanced infantry training, he was stationed at Ft Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., and advanced to the Honor Guard.  In the 1950's the Honor Guard met arriving prime ministers, presidents and politicians at Washington National Airport, which was the "front door" to arriving international VIPs.  Joe's dream to walk the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dashed when at 5' 8", he learned the height requirement at the tomb was 5' 10". He was sent to Korea when the country was in a state of tense, non-active warfare under a fragile ceasefire. Following honorable discharge in 1956, Joe served in the 9114th Air Force Reserve Recovery Squadron.

After serving in the military, he became a draftsman/junior engineer working at Whitin Machine Works and Draper Corporation before joining the Nelmor Company and advancing to plant superintendent.  He also worked as a maintenance supervisor before being approached by the Co-op Coordinator at Blackstone Valley Tech to be a substitute teacher. It was that experience that led to his love of teaching - specifically vocational education. Joe earned an associate degree and graduated from the evening division of Worcester Junior College Magna Cum Laude, and in 1982 began teaching the Maintenance Mechanics program at Assabet Valley Vocational. Once again, he began attending college nights and weekends and in 1987 earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Fitchburg State College, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Joe left Assabet in 1994 and joined the faculty at Blackstone Valley Tech where he taught Construction. He served as class advisor for many classes at both schools. He retired from teaching in 2000, leaving behind a legacy as teacher, mentor, advisor, role model, and surrogate father to many students who later became lifelong friends. Joe never looked for credit or repayment for his time spent - in or out - of the classroom and remained humbled and honored by their praise and affection.

Joe loved practicing his faith and was a life-long parishioner at St. Denis in Douglas. He began altar service at age 10 and continued through his military service. He also taught CCD classes to teens for many years. Joe also loved attending St. Paul's when “snowbirding” in Arcadia, FL.

Joe was a member of the BPOE, Loyal Order of Moose, American Legion, Appalachian Mountain Club, and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Arcadia, FL. Joe loved his wife, “Sandra darlin”, and his children, extended family, and friends, and prayed daily for family unity. He loved traveling in his RV, listening to all music, especially country and blues, being of Italian heritage, and visiting Italy. He was a legendary floor hockey player, played in three softball leagues, coached Little League, and refereed and coached soccer. He was an avid hiker bagging all 4000' peaks in NH, VT, and ME, as well as the 100-mile Wilderness, the most remote and challenging stretch of the Appalachian Trail. In later years, he gave up elevation for backpacking more scenic woodland trails with his dear friend, Fran. He bicycled over 20,000 miles before his odometer stopped working! 

More recently, he enjoyed watching college sports, tennis, the Bruins, and the Red Sox.  In warmer weather, he could often be found basking in the sun on the back deck, enjoying a couple of fingers of Jameson. La Dolce Vita!  

A compilation of personal memories will be included in Joe's eulogy.  If you have a story to share, please email Sandy:  sjyacino@gmail.com

Following cremation, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 6th at 11:00 AM in St. Denis Church, 23 Manchaug Street, Douglas. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Denis Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will then be held in the Keresy Hall at the church. Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 5th from 4–7 PM at Jackman Funeral Home, 7 Mechanic Street, Douglas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joe’s name may be made to Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 2096, Arcadia, FL 34265 or online by clicking here

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