Former Fall River martial arts instructor and chef who worked at China Royal, Catholic Memorial Home, UMass, has died

A Fall River man who connected with many throughout the South Coast through his various skills has died.

85-year-old Dana Yarbough passed away on Saturday at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

According to an obituary, “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 UMass Dartmouth campus.”

Yarbough was also an accomplished martial arts instructor and founded the Goju-Ryu Karate Academy of Fall River. He also shared his talents by teaching at the SMU gym.  Dana was also a Freemason.

A visitation will be held Saturday, December 27th, 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.