The Litchfield community is mourning the passing of Wamogo Regional High School teacher Mark Yanaway.

Yanaway was a social studies teacher at the school for 14 years and vice president of the school's Educators Association.

He was also a highly decorated retired colonel in the United States Army Reserve.

Yanaway did two tours in Iraq and traveled to over 20 countries.

The school says grief counselors will be available for students and staff who need support.