Dr. Lario Vincent Yerino, Jr.

Dr. Lario V. Yerino Jr., a dedicated educator and passionate scientist, passed away on February 20, 2025 at the age of 70. Born December 18, 1954, Dr. Yerino was the son of the late Lario Sr. and Louise Yerino. He is survived by his devoted wife, Phyllis P. (Yao) Yerino, whom he married on July 14, 1979, in College Station, Texas. He was a loving father to Christopher (Kimberly) Yerino and Gregory (Laura) Yerino and a proud grandfather to five grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Lawrence (Susan) Yerino, and three sisters Luigina Yerino, Lisa Smith and Linda (Stephen) Bradford.

Lario had a deep love of life and a childlike curiosity to explore and experiment with his surroundings. He enjoyed nature; hiking, camping, birding, spelunking, and star gazing to understand the wonders of the world. He earned his PhD in organic chemistry at Texas A&M University. He started his career as a chemist. His love of sharing his passion for science led him to his true calling in teaching high school chemistry and physics, at Oak Park, Liberty and Fort Osage. There, he developed and led nationally ranked high school science teams to compete in Science Olympiad and Science Knowledge Bowl for many years. He was Teacher of the Year at Oak Park High School and Liberty North High School. He participated in NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) program for teachers. He was not allowed to touch buttons, but that didn’t stop him from trying.

A consummate inventor and builder, Lario spent countless hours in his workshop machining custom components for various tools, trinkets, and projects. His most prized project was a 120-pound homemade 20” Dobsonian telescope, which won 1st place at the Rocky Mountain Star Stare in 2019. Additionally, he constructed numerous high power rockets requiring airspace clearance for their launch. Lario was an active member of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City, often leading group nights at the observatory or performing public presentations.

Most of all, Lario shared his excitement with everyone around him—be it showing his grandchildren the joys of a total eclipse or presenting his latest gadgets and discoveries to curious friends. He viewed life as a grand adventure, believing that the world is full of wonderful things to explore.

A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Yerino’s life will be held on March 1 at Terrace Park Funeral Home, with visitation at 2:00 PM and memorial service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Astronomical Society of Kansas City in his memory. The service will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend in person.

Dr. Lario V. Yerino Jr. will be deeply missed by all who knew him—family, friends, and countless students alike. His legacy of unwavering curiosity, mischievous creativity, and profound kindness will continue to inspire those who remember him.

Link to Memorial Service Live Stream (3/1/2025 @ 3PM CST): https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=27e44e91-9db2-4f35-aa9b-d201e44e3df7

Rocket Launches:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9BTX93TSrc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bqropbZBGM

SOFIA Interview: 

https://www.northnationmedia.com/uncategorized/doctor-lario-yerino/