Army man handled public relations with aplomb
Whether he was fielding questions from news reporters as a military public affairs officer or serving as a music minister at area churches, Greg Yesko brought a level of dedication that exceeded most people's expectations.
A 26-year veteran of the Army, Yesko was the longtime public affairs spokesman for the 99th Regional Readiness Command, based in Coraopolis. He previously served as a spokesman for the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority and for an Allegheny County commissioner.
Army Maj. Gregory Martin Yesko of Wilkins died Friday, Dec. 19, 2008. He was 49.
"Major Yesko has now retired from our ranks, but his service to the soldiers of the United States Army and Army Reserve will never retire, as we prepare to return him to the earth," said Maj. Gen. William Monk III, commanding general of the 99th Regional Readiness Command, U.S. Army Reserve.
In addition to serving as a public affairs officer for the 99th, Mr. Yesko handled assignments in the United States and Central America, including a post as senior journalism adviser for Theater Support Elements, based in Fort Clayton, Panama.
Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Mr. Yesko returned to active duty with the 99th, serving through the buildup and commencement of operations Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.
He often fielded news organizations' inquiries after soldiers were accused of mistreating prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. A number of the soldiers involved were from the 372nd Military Police Company, which is part of the 99th.
"He was a top-shelf officer and probably the most intelligent and talented person I've worked with," said Jack Gordon, who met Mr. Yesko in Panama and later worked for him in the 99th's public affairs office. "One of his greatest traits was that he fully involved himself in everything he did."
As a spokesman for former Allegheny County Commissioner Bob Cranmer, Mr. Yesko helped to stabilize the office with professionalism, Cranmer said.
"The political issues we were dealing with at the time, and the way we dealt with the media, had resulted in a circus-like atmosphere in the commissioners' office," said Cranmer, who hired Mr. Yesko in 1998, two years before the county's home rule form of government, with a county executive, took effect.
Mr. Yesko then became a spokesman for the Sports & Exhibition Authority, a job he held from 1999 to 2002. During that time, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, PNC Park and Heinz Field were built and Three Rivers Stadium was demolished.
"He was patient and calm in times of very high activity, which I think can be credited in part to his military experience," said Mary Conturo, the SEA's executive director.
In addition to his career as a public relations professional, Mr. Yesko was a talented musician and served as organist at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Verona.
"He clearly enjoyed singing and playing in church and wrote a number of pieces of liturgical music," said the Rev. Philip J. Przybyla. "And, despite his busy schedule, he was always willing to help out in any way he could."
Family members will remember Mr. Yesko's talents and personal traits, said his brother, Frank Yesko of West Mifflin. "Most of all, I think we'll miss his sense of humor and laughter, which could loosen the tensions of your heartstrings."
In addition to his brother, Mr. Yesko is survived by his children, Nathan Connor Yesko and Mary Elizabeth Yesko, both of Mt. Lebanon; parents, Mary Patricia and Frank V. Yesko of Swissvale; a sister, Lori Whited of Orlando, Fla.; and his grandmother, Elizabeth Slattery of Munhall.
Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Thomas L. Nied Funeral Home, 7441 Washington St., Swissvale.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Anselm Church, 7446 McClure Ave., Swissvale.
