Photo courtesy of Douglass Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home
Feb 1, 1938 - Oct 29, 2025
To Sheila and all The Young’s. We send our heartfelt sympathies to you all. Don has always been a cherished friend since back in “Little League Days”. Ralph and Don coached together in a couple of youth sports in Reading. He always greeted you with a smile whenever you would see him. We hold dear all the wonderful memories we have shared. Our deepest condolences.
Ralph and Nancy DellOrfano
Ralph and Nancy DellOrfano
November 04, 2025 | Reading, MA | Friend
Sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts, Young family. I have fond memories of good times and laughs with Uncle Don at King Ridge and Sunapee.
John Daschbach
November 04, 2025 | Middletown, RI | Family
I'm glad I got the chance to see and talk with your dad when my mother was looking at Assisted Living options. He always made me laugh! Great guy...
Bobby DAmbrosio
November 03, 2025 | North Andover, MA | Friend
My condolences, I alway enjoyed stopping and chatting with him when we bumped into each other. He was our football coach .
Matt Edson
November 03, 2025 | Acquaintance
Sorry for your family’s loss of a great dad and grandfather.
Carol Hood
November 02, 2025 | Franklin, MA | Family
I have so many great memories skiing with Don at King Ridge and Sunapee. He was always smiling and he had a great "chuckle". He truly was "one of the good ones" I am sorry for your loss.
Mary Dema
November 02, 2025 | Christiansted, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS | Friend
What great memories you have shared. I remember him well. My sincere condolences to all of you kids and extended family.
Joanie Griffin Le blanc
November 02, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Patti Beckman
November 02, 2025 | Reading, MA | Friend
Don was such a great friend to my parents and you kids to us kids, as well.
Great to have known your Dad and all the Youngsters. May God give you all peace
Stephen Fallon
November 02, 2025 | Reading, MA | Friend
Donald “Don” Young, 87, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025 at The Residence at Pearl Street.
Donald was born on February 1, 1938, in Newport, Rhode Island, to Louis and Emily Young. He graduated from Rogers High School and went on to earn his degree from the University of Rhode Island. After college he moved to Massachusetts where he began a dedicated career as a chemist with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Boston. Following his retirement from the FDA, Don continued part-time work for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for many years.
In 1962, Don married Sheila O’Reilly, and together they raised five children in Reading, Massachusetts. He is survived by his children: Elizabeth Young and her husband Ralf Goericke of Encinitas, CA; Christine Young of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; Kenneth Young and his wife Cathleen Young of Reading, MA; Daniel Young and his wife Luciane Young of Woburn, MA; and Eugene Young of Park City, UT. He is also survived and lovingly remembered by his six grandchildren-Samuel and his wife Emily, Katarina, Abigail, Sarah, Kathryn and Michael-as well as his ex-wife Sheila.
Don was predeceased by his loving partner of 18 years, Linda Sidman, and is survived by Linda’s daughter Stacy, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Louis Young Jr. and George (Buddy) Young, and his sisters Barbara Esposito and Marilyn Bedford.
Don lived life with a generous spirit and a grateful heart. If you were looking for him, chances are you’d find him outdoors…shoveling snow and tending his yard, golfing with friends, or halfway up a ladder with a paintbrush in hand.
At his core, Don was a family man. He adored his large extended family and cherished time spent hosting clam bakes in the backyard, taking graceful turns on the ski slopes with the ‘crew’, or entertaining the kids at the beach. He coached and loved watching his children participate in any sport. He would cheer on enthusiastically from the sidelines for all of his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities (often convinced he knew more than the coaches and never shy about saying so) “Breakfast at Pa’s”- as his grandchildren called it - was legendary, especially his famous home fries.
Don wore colorful shirts. His temper could be loud - but his love was always louder. He had a big smile and a wonderful sense of humor. Every dog he raised or met adored him. They instantly knew he was one of the good ones.
Our hearts are heavy and full. We will miss you dearly. Try not to be too bossy with the angels.
A celebration of Don’s life will be planned at a later date. In his honor please consider donating to your local animal shelter, humane society or rescue organization.
Arrangements under the direction of the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, Reading, MA www.doulassfunerlhome.com
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