Gary Yano

GARY W. YANO, age 74, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio after a prolonged illness. Gary was a native Clevelander, born on September 11, 1948. He was a lifelong resident of Greater Cleveland. He attended Valley Forge High School, Tri-C and Kent State University. He was a veteran of the United States Army Airborne Military Police, a self-defense instructor for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Association, taught self-defense and martial arts at Baldwin-Wallace University and Oberlin College, was a member of the AAU National Karate Team with 3 back-to-back Gold medals, created a Karate program for the City of N. Ridgeville and ran a martial arts school in Westlake for many years. He was the Healthcare Administrator of a physiotherapy clinic and a Realtor. He enjoyed his time as a model, actor, musician and martial arts expert. He was proud of being an inductee into the International Karate and Kickboxing Hall of Fame, Cleveland Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Sensei of Senseis. Gary was well-known in Northeast Ohio through his work with community and civil rights issues, helping youth, and volunteering in numerous organizations. Gary saw his greatest lifetime achievements as being a loving father of 4 (Eric, Dan, Bridget, Stephen) and cherished grandfather of 4 (Ronen, Braydon, Kieran, Gabriel). He also leaves behind his beloved brother Kirk and his best friend of 51 years, the mother of his children Mary Lou. He is preceded in death by his youngest son Stephen, grandson Ronen, and his parents Fred and Mary Yano. Friends may call at the BUSCH FUNERAL HOME, 7501 RIDGE ROAD, PARMA, OHIO 44129 FROM 10:00 AM UNTIL THE TIME OF THE SERVICE AT 12:00 PM, MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2023. Inurnment following at Brooklyn Heights Cemetery Mausoleum, 4700 Broadview Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44109. Cremation by Busch Crematory.