Dana S. Yarbough

Dana S. Yarbough, 85, a retired chef and dedicated martial arts instructor, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Charlton Memorial Hospital. Born on April 1, 1940, in Fall River, Dana was well-known for his culinary skills, having worked at China Royal, Catholic Memorial Home, and Southern Massachusetts University, later to be known as the U Mass Dartmouth campus.

Dana's interests extended beyond the kitchen; he was a true enthusiast of jazz music, often finding solace and inspiration in its melodies. His love for horses was equally profound, as he raised and rode horses at the Apachee Ranch in Dartmouth. His cherished companions included Palso, Frosty, Texas Star, Miss Lucy, and Shogun, each playing a significant role in his life and bringing him immense joy.

In addition to his culinary career, Dana was an accomplished martial arts instructor and a proud founder of the Goju-Ryu Karate Academy of Fall River. Academy in Fall River. A style of Karate he taught and trained. Dana also trained in the art of Katana sword fighting. He also shared his expertise by teaching at the gym at SMU.

He was the husband of Barbara A. Ouellette, the lifelong companion of the late Pauline (Cardoza) Gomes, the son of the late David J. Yarbough and Edna (Mitchell) Yarbough; the father of Denise Roman (husband Mark) and Lisa Yarbough; grandfather of Nicole Roman; and Dana helped raise Sandra Normandin (husband Michael), Joni Rogers (husband Steve), Paula Berney (husband Steve), Janet Carvalho, Norman Gomes (wife Mary Jo) and the late Barbara Ann Gomes and John Gomes; Dana was the brother of Dorothea "Dottie) Yarbough and the late Leslie Yarbough;

Dana also leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Saturday, December 27, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM with a funeral service in the Auclair Funeral Home at 10:00 AM.

Burial to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fall River, 146 Hanover Street, Fall River, MA 02720.