Michael Yare Jr. 71 of Rochester, NY, passed away on June 20th, 2024, at his home after a brief illness. Mike is predeceased by his parents Alice and Michael Yare, Chris Yare and Boris Christ (uncles) and Helen Christ La Gaipa (aunt) and Aspasia Tahou (cousin). He is survived by his aunt Strebrena Yare and cousins Barbara (Robert) Ballard, Sandra (Ljupco) Bucukovski, Robert (Linda) Christ, Patricia (Charles) Dawley, Laurie (Charles) Fyles, Patty (Paul) Kaptein, Diane (David) Peirce, and Alex (Jeanette) Tahou, goddaughter Quinn Meadows as well as close friends Kevin Dailey, Carol Meadows Miller, Fay Stoinis Calman and Norman Thompson.
Mike is a lifetime Rochester resident. He graduated from East High where he was a member of the Theta fraternity and a Son of Pericles at the Greek Orthodox Church. He went on to study at RIT. He has remained close to friends from childhood. He loved the guitar and his high school Garage Band. Mike talked with pride about his father and uncle’s restaurant, the White Swan, right across from the Eastman School of Music. He learned the restaurant business working at the White Swan, even having his own restaurant for a time in Sea Breeze. He also helped his cousin Alex Tahou at Nick Tahou Hots.
Mike was a well-known wedding photographer in Rochester with weddings throughout Western New York as far afield as Buffalo, Lewiston, Chautauqua and the Finger Lake wineries. He loved taking engagement photos at Letchworth State Park, a favorite spot of his mother’s and even photographed Father Daughter dances. He added a second business with his deep knowledge of the food industry – Make Yare Food Photography. Mike had many friends in the photo business, especially at Scott’s Photo and Park Avenue Photo. He mentored many camera assistants over almost 40 years in the business. He took pride in his work and ensured that his clients were happy, satisfied and taken care of.
Until the last few years, he could often be found riding his mountain bike or driving his Jeep Wrangler at Allegheny State Park. He was very fond of the town of Ellicottville and visited often. Mike lived a rich life and frequented The Golden Fox and The Winfield Grill where he made many friends who enjoyed his fun-loving company and great sense of humor.
Mike will be greatly missed. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 26th from 6-8PM at Dierna Funeral Home (2309 Culver Rd.) and Thursday, June 27th from 9-10AM at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation (962 East Ave) with his funeral mass immediately following at 10 AM. Friends and family are invited to join the Interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery. A luncheon Mercy Meal will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, St Dimitria Macedonian Orthodox Church or the American Lung Association. Special thanks to cousins Laurie and Chuck Fyles as well as Fay Stoinis Calman, his former camera assistant and dear friend. The family would also like to thank the Winfield Grill and A&G Meats for donating food for the Mercy Meal and to Agathi of Arbor Venues for the organization of the meal service.
Leave a Comment
Mike was a very close friend of mine for several years!. Whenever I needed a sense of humor I spoke to Mike! I will miss him very much!
I’m really shocked it Mike’s death. Unfortunately I’m out of town all week and hate to miss his funeral.. I spent many a night with Mike at the Pomodoro, and he really loved our band special blend. We talked about everything and both of us being big Yankee fans was really a plus. He was a really funny guy and will really be missed. I’m really shocked. It is anearly death.
I attended East High with Mike. I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He will be greatly missed. I pray – Eternal rest grant unto Mike, O Lord, and let the light of Your face shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. ~Amen~
I still remember the little boy in the red jacket who attended my wedding, and the teen-ager driving from Rochester to Virginia with Casey Alan to attend Krissy’s wedding…two young guys filled with gusto! I remember each time we came to Rochester and everyone gathered to say hello…you were always there…and I recall the last time we saw you for a fish fry at Crescent Beach Hotel. You have soared since then, a wedding photographer extraordinaire, and enriched the lives of so many, and you will be missed.
We remember the little boy in the red jacket at our wedding, and the teenage boy, along with Casey Alan, who drove from Rochester to Virginia, arriving with gusto for Krissy’s wedding, and then the young man who showed up for impromptu gatherings whenever we visited Rochester. The last time we met was for a fish fry at Crescent Beach Hotel. Since then, you found your true calling as a wedding photographer extraordinaire, and enriched the lives of so many. We are happy to have watched you grow and bloom, and now, may you rest in peace.
I don,t believe….Miki bese nas bratuced. Tatkovcite po poteklo od Bitolskiot istorijski poznat kraj, antickata Heraklea. Tatkoto Mijal ja poseti Makedonija so negovati majka no so Miki ne se sretnavme lično iako mnogu slušav za nego, so bezbroj fotografii od malecok. Bliska rodnina, no daleku…poslednite godini sam. Počivaju vo mir, a Angeline neka ti go osvetlat patot kon nebeskoto carstvo Drag Miki, život e cuden…..i Mijata sestra Mila zaminav pred 6 meseci, a bese tvoje godište. Zalno, neka ti i večna slava