John Allen Young

1942 - 2020

John Allen Young

Neptune - John Allen Young, 78, died Dec. 3, 2020 at Jersey Shore Medical Center Neptune, N.J. He had respiratory failure after being treated the past few months for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

John was born at home in Metuchen, N.J. on June 15, 1942, the fourth child of Joseph B. Young Jr. and Anna Sayna Young.

John attended schools in central New Jersey as the family moved around during World War II and eventually settled in the shore area. He graduated from Neptune High School in 1960 and from Montclair State College (now University) in 1964. After graduation he taught art at the Ridge Street School in Newark, N.J.

John loved art and his talent showed in all of his work. He enjoyed music and played drums in the Neptune High School band and with other groups of his area friends.

After leaving teaching John moved out west where he had a variety of occupations which included using his artistic skills in commercial sign painting. In the 1960's and 1970's he worked with his brother Roger on his farm along the Snake River near Mountain Home, Idaho. While there John took flying lessons learning to fly a Cessna 150. He later moved to Portland, Oregon where he also worked for some years.

When John returned to New Jersey he used his carpentry skills to work with his cousin Robert Cacciarelli who operated a home building and remodeling business. John lived in the family home in Shark River Hills that he helped his father and brother Joe build in 1956. He lived there with his mother and later with his sister Joyce who returned after retirement from a teaching career. They cared for their mother who lived to be 100 1/2 years old.

Because he loved what he did, John never fully retired. Right up until his illness he continued to work locally.

One of John's hobbies was woodworking. He produced beautiful furniture and boxes in the workshop set up in the garage. He loved making things and his artistic talent was evident in everything he produced.

John took classes at The School of Practical Philosophy for more than 20 years where he made many lifelong friends. In hearing of his passing their response was as follows:

"The students of the School of Practical Philosophy record with sorrow the passing of a fellow and honored student. A man devoted to truth, reason, and to the service of humanity. His dedication was truly inspiring up until and including his passing. Our love and friendship go out to his family. As a tribute to his steadfast love of truth we will carry on to realize that peace in which he rests."

Survivors are brothers Joseph B. Young, III (Cheryl) and Roger G. Young, his sister Joyce A. Young and his beloved companion of 21 years, Betty Jean Manister. Other survivors are nieces Joan E. Young, Karen A. Schellenberg (Dan), Leslie Susan Brewster (Frank) and Marnie E. Anderson (Chris). Also nine first cousins, many second cousins, great nieces and friends.

O'Brien Funeral Home, Wall, N.J. is in charge of arrangements. No service is planned at this time. A memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society (LLS.org) or your favorite charity.

Please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.