Paul Yerk Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Paul I. Yerk, 77, of North Cape May, NJ passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021 with his loving wife by his side, tenderly holding his hand. He was born June 30, 1943 in Phoenixville, PA to Paul “Razz” and Jeanne (Fry) Yerk. He was a part of the first graduating class of Spring Ford High School in 1961 and subsequently graduated from Penn State University in 1969 with a BA in English & Psychology. In 1979 he completed his Master’s degree in Special Education from Slippery Rock University. Paul married his soulmate, savior, and love of his life Sally (Drozd) Yerk in 1978 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a respected English & Special Education teacher at Middle Township High School for 35 years, retiring in 2005. Paul also served as mentor & coach to his beloved athletes on the Middle Township football and golf teams for over 30 years. He coached the Middle golf team to two Cape Atlantic League titles in 1975 & 1985, 350 victories in 588 matches, and culminated his successful career with his induction into the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003, finally retiring as the area’s longest tenured coach in 2005. In retirement, he filled his time as a home bound teacher for LCMR, enjoyed listening to great music, reading a plethora of books, and enjoying a cigar on the front porch on any sunny day. Paul will be lovingly remembered by family, friends, students, coaches, athletes, and colleagues alike – most notably for his articulate candor, sarcastic sense of humor, and a love that shined brightly, touching the lives of so many that had the privilege to know him. Paul served his country and his community. He was drafted and served in the U.S. Army from 1965 – 1967, with an honorable discharge. He also served on the Lower Township Board of Education for nearly two decades, beginning in 1994. Paul was a member of the American Legion and a faithful parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Cape May. He enjoyed “cruising through life” with his wife and accomplices, the Hooymans; golfing with the LACEY group and Poconos guys; and his time with the beloved Tennessee Squires of Cape May. Paul’s greatest achievement, however, is a marriage to be emulated and his seven children, whom he loved dearly. Paul is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sally; his children Daniel, Mara, Genna (Scott) Price, Micah (Bryce), Adam, Shanely (Brian) Damon, and Caylyn; and the grandchildren he adored – Griffin & Georgia Yerk; Darla, Penelope, & Beau Price; Clara & Kai Yerk; and Adeline Yerk; and his aunts Fonnie James & Sally Weber. Paul is pre-deceased by his parents Paul & Jeanne and his brothers Robert & David. A “walk through” visitation will be held at SPILKER FUNERAL HOME, 815 Washington St., Cape May on Friday January 15, 2021 from 6-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at ST. ANN CHURCH, 2901 Atlantic Ave. in Wildwood, NJ on Saturday January 16, 2021 at 11am. Paul’s Mass will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. The livestream will be active on Saturday morning beginning at 10:45am by simply clicking on this link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/9335561 Interment will follow the Mass at Cold Spring Cemetery in Cape May. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Paul’s memory to the Caper 10 Alumni Association. Checks can be made payable to “Caper 10 Scholarship Fund” and mailed C/O Loretta Saggiomo, 239 4th Avenue, West Cape May, NJ 08204. Digital donations can be made via Venmo to @ShanelySYerk and will be forwarded to the Caper 10.

Paul Yerk

June 30, 1943 - January 10, 2021