On October 10, 2022, Richard Thomas “Dick” Young Sr. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 94. Dick was the fourth of six children, born to Peter and Louise (Bannon) Young on July 10, 1928 in Saginaw, MI. He is survived by his loving wife Maryann (Devota) Young, and four children; Rich (Jeanne) Young, Judy (Mike) Saylor, Bill (Linda) Young, and Don (Johnette) Young. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and eight step-great grandchildren.

 

 

Dick moved out with his family to the farm, in 1943, at the age of 14. He started working for Buick in 1949, thinking he would stay there until he saved up for a new tractor. Thirty-nine years later, he retired (with his tractor). He was drafted for the beginning of the Korean War (1951), serving two years in Fort Campbell, Kentucky as an MP and supply clerk.

He never dated anyone long enough to have to buy them a Christmas gift, but Jim Flory (childhood friend) knew that Maryann was the one when he got her a gift for Christmas. Dick married Maryann on June 21st, 1958. They bought 40 acres from Dick’s dad, right after his mom planted an apple orchard on it, and they built their home. Then they started having children, one every two years.

 

 

Dick continued to farm and work at Buick to provide for his family. He maintained his sense of humor, constantly pulling pranks on his wife and children. Judy remembers as children when the 2, 4, and 6-year-olds were playing in the giant lilac bushes in the orchard. Dick went out there and started growling. Rich (the oldest…) yelled, “It’s a bear!” and left his younger siblings vulnerable. Judy was left to make sure that her younger brother Bill was safe and they ran toward the house. We’re not sure if he ever apologized.

 

 

Dick was a family man, and he always made sure to prioritize family vacations. Every summer, they had a long family vacation road trip across the country. As a family, they hit most of the contiguous U.S. There were only 4 states that he didn’t visit.

After he retired, during apple season, he would make the apple cider by himself and deliver it to the neighbors. Later this would become a family tradition. He also took great pride in his yard and used it to host decades of family reunions. As years went by, he began to slow down and took to placing chairs throughout the yard, so he could take breaks as he worked.

Dick has always maintained his passion for playing cards, bringing this tradition from his parents to his children and grandchildren. He continued to play cards into the last week of his life, memories that his family will always cherish.

He maintained his love for gas tractors, much to the dismay of his grandchildren who accompanied him to the Old Gas Tractor Show. He had a fondness for old westerns as these brought him great joy during his later years.

Dick has always been a man of faith who actively engaged in his faith community, joining his parish in 1943. He held weekly bible studies in his home for decades and said the rosary with his wife every night.

 

 

Dick’s visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Homes, Martin Chapel, 316 W. Broad St., Chesaning on Friday, October 14, from 2-8PM with Rosary at 7PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Parish, 404 S. Wood St., Chesaning on Saturday, October 15, at 11AM. Committal will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Chesaning Twp. Memorials contributions may be made to Fr. Glenn Meaux Missionary Outreach to Haiti. For further information please phone 989-845-3420.