Richard E. "Dick" Young

1930 - 2025

Young, Richard E. "Dick"

Jun 9, 1930 - Mar 17, 2025

Of Lancaster, NY at age 94. Beloved husband of the late Dixie. Dearest father of the late Timothy (late Patricia), Susan, and Kristen (Laureen). Brother of the late Lester "Bud" (late Barb) and uncle to their children: Late Duane (Sherri), Debbie, Karen (Mike), and Kathy. Survived by five grandchildren: Gregory (Betsy), Sarah (Adin), Lauren (Matt), Scott, and Alex. Cherished great-grandfather to Ethan, Wyatt, Lillian and Weston. Dick was a self-taught mechanic, electrician, pipe fitter, welder and designer, learning from working as a child with his father, Lester, who owned a controlling interest in the Cayasler Manufacturing Company and, later, founded Young Fire Equipment Corporation. Dick ultimately became the President of Young Fire. Bringing his mechanical and firefighting experiences from the Navy, Dick had revolutionary ideas on how to build a better firetruck. His designs were decades ahead of his competitors and are still widely used today. He was considered a Legend in the industry who built the "Cadillac of Firetrucks". Young Fire closed in 1991-but, the experience of constantly designing brackets for all the special tools and equipment that his firetruck customers wanted mounted led to his next big venture. In 1993, he would launch Performance Advantage Company, which designs and distributes tool and equipment mounting brackets for the fire service, military and multiple other industries worldwide - and continues to grow. In 2007 Dick founded the Greater Lancaster Museum of Fire Fighting at 6 W. Main St., next to his business. Dick was a proud graduate of Lancaster High School, class of 1948. As class president, he spent years organizing class reunions for his classmates. In the Navy, Dick spent 1948-1949 on the USS Buck 761 Destroyer to help with the Revolution in China. Upon his release from the Navy, he enrolled at Marietta College in Ohio. But, he was soon called back to duty for the Korean War on the USS Marsh DE699 in 1950-1952. It was on a blind date in the Navy that he met his wife, a tall redhead, named "Dixie." Many will fondly remember standing around the piano singing songs while Dick played the piano. Dick was always a "history buff" with an incredible mind for dates and events. He partnered with Mary Jo Monnin to write several history books. Dick was an elected member of the Lancaster Village Board from 1957-1965. He is a lifetime member of the Lancaster Eagle Hose Fire Company starting in 1961. And in the 1960s, was also made an honorary member of the Town Line Fire Company. Dick was also a lifetime member of the Royal Order of Masons. He was also a member and President of the Lancaster/Depew Rotary Club. In 1968-1969, Dick followed in his father's footsteps, becoming the president of "FAMA" Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association, helping to establish standards that we live by today. Dick's list of accomplishments and awards and the number of lives he has touched and helped is beyond impressive. He was a cherished, loved inspiration to us all, he cared about everyone, and he will be sorely missed. Family and friends will be received on Sunday, March 23 from 12-4 PM at the Wendel & Loecher Inc. Funeral Home, 27 Aurora St., Lancaster, NY. A celebration of life will be on March 23 from 6-9 PM at Ripa's Restaurant, 4218 Walden Ave. Lancaster, NY. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to "Dick Young Heritage House", 10 Central Ave., Lancaster, NY 14086 - a non-profit designed to recognize, support and encourage Lancaster volunteers.