Sept. 27, 2004--Edward J. Yuschak Jr., 53, died Sept. 15, at his home in Los Altos, Calif., after a battle with cancer.

He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at UD in 1973.

Born in Bayonne, N.J., Mr. Yuschak grew up on the Jersey Shore. After graduating from UD, he earned his MBA at Santa Clara University.

He had lived in the Bay Area since 1978 and worked for more than 20 years in sales in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Mr. Yuschak is survived by his wife, Jacque Rupp, and their two sons, Christopher (15) and David (13), as well as his father, Edward Yuschak Sr.; brothers Thomas and his wife, Mary, Mark and his wife, Debbie, Robert, and Michael and his wife, Kerren; and their children.

According to an obituary published in the Asbury Park Press, “Ed’s passions and proudest achievements centered on his family and on coaching. Ed raised two fine boys and devoted many years to coaching his sons and literally hundreds of other boys in youth baseball and basketball. An inspired coach, Ed utilized the playing field as a forum to teach his players significant life lessons: gifts they will carry far and beyond the playing field. Coach Ed incorporated his irrepressibly positive attitude and enthusiasm into all his endeavors; including and most significantly the grace with which he dealt with his disease.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the “Coach Ed Yuschak Fund” established by the Los Altos Little League, which will use the funds to expand and renovate pitching/batting practice areas at Purissima Field, Los Altos Hills. The league also will create a bermed lawn area in a shady tree grove where fans can sit and enjoy games. The memorial honors Mr. Yuschak’s longstanding devotion to the youngsters and families in the Little League baseball community and, in particular, his passion for the principles of the Positive Coaching Alliance. Contributions may be sent to: Coach Ed Yuschak Fund of LALL, P.O. Box 1389, Los Altos, CA 94023.