Michael E. Yasick, 49, leader in pharma

Michael E. Yasick, 49, of Downingtown, a leader in the pharmaceutical industry for more than two decades, died Friday, March 8, of a heart attack at Paoli Hospital.

Mr. Yasick worked from 1988 to 2001 for GlaxoSmithKline, including a stint in London, before joining Shire Pharmaceuticals in 2004 as head of the gastrointestinal business unit.

His specialty was developing medicines for treatment of infections, central nervous system ailments, gastrointestinal problems, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

He spent more than 20 years in a variety of commercial, research and development, and general management roles in the pharmaceutical field.

At the time of his death, Mr. Yasick was interim head of Shire's specialty pharmaceuticals, effective earlier this year, and senior vice president of the Behavioral Health Business Unit, effective in 2008.

Shire is in Chesterbrook. The unit focuses on remedies for ADHD and other disorders of the central nervous system.

He won awards for his patient-focused leadership philosophy, his family said.

Born in Oshkosh, Wis., he was the son of Darlene Kallas Yasick and the late Eugene Yasick.

He received his bachelor's degree in biomedical science from Western Michigan University and stayed active with the school by writing letters to potential freshmen, urging them to attend his alma mater.

Mr. Yasick volunteered his time for the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools, and the Brandywine Ballet Board of Directors.

Travel and reading were high on his list of hobbies, "but more than anything, he just liked being with people," said his daughter Katherine. "He was incredibly outgoing and famous for his laugh."

Mr. Yasick was married for 27 years to the former Jennifer L. Green. The two met through Greek fraternity life.

In addition to his wife, mother, and daughter, Mr. Yasick is survived by a son, Christopher; another daughter, Emma; a brother; a sister; and nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be said at noon Friday, March 15, at St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church, 100 Fellowship Rd., Chester Springs. Friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Interment is private.

Contributions may be made to the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation, 1760 Old Meadow Rd., Suite 500, McLean, Va. 22102 or through www.ednf.org, or to CASA for Children by going to www.casaforchildren.org.