Obituary of Donald Alexander Young

Webster:  Donald Alexander Young, 86, passed away peacefully at the St. Ann’s Care Center at Cherry Ridge in Webster, New York on November 1, 2023. He is predeceased by his parents, Hal and Ferral Young, and his little brother, Bobby. He is survived by his wife, Carole Reed Young; daughter, Elizabeth “Becky” Arlene Young (husband, William Curtin); son, Robert Reed Young (wife, Amy Young); 7 grandchildren, Sean and Julia Curtin, and Brayden, Liam, Riley, Jackson and Lyla Young.

Don was born in Eugene, Oregon in 1937. By the time he was a teenager the family had moved East to Illinois where Don graduated from Batavia High School in 1955. Don attended the University of Illinois, graduating in 1961 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He was a faithful fan of the “Fighting Illini” his entire life.

He accepted a job with Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY, where he spent the next 31 years as a director in the Quality Services Organization. Early on his focus was Kodacolor, super 8 and instant film. Later on his focus became moving picture film, a job he particularly enjoyed because of his love of movies. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Carole Anne Reed.

In the summer months, Don enjoyed playing golf with his friends in the QSO golf league at the Lake Shore Country Club, and sailing on Lake Ontario.  During the winter months he was an avid table tennis player at the Genesee Valley Table Tennis Club. For several years he competed in the World Senior Games Utah, and once won the gold medal in his age class after defeating an opponent from Russia.

After retiring from Kodak in 1991, he began working at Erb Financial as a bookkeeper and tax preparer, retiring from that position in 2015. For several years he was a board member and bookkeeper at Webster Comfort Care Home. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Webster, singing in the choir and attending small group bible study.  He loved crossword puzzles, opera, and playing clarinet in the New Horizons Band.

Don lived a long and fulfilling life, always buoyed by a family who loved him so much, a love which he returned in full measure. To friends he was defined as a gentleman and someone easy to be around. His calm demeanor helped others relax. His optimistic outlook on life lifted up those he met. And he was always planning the next adventure -  whether it was going out for an evening ride to see the new fallen snow on the fir trees, or exploring places for the next family camping trip.

He will be fondly remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Job well done, good and faithful servant of the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Methodist Church of Webster, 169 East Main Street, Webster, NY 14580, or the Star Appreciation Fund at St. Ann’s Community, 1500 Portland Ave., Rochester, NY 14621.

Services will be held at the Methodist Church of Webster, 169 East Main Street on Monday, November 20 at 4:00 PM.