David J. "Dave" Young

David J. Young, 93, of Supply, North Carolina, was born in Dayton, Ohio on September 9, 1932, to Marguerite Gerard Young and George M. Young. He died peacefully in his sleep at his home on September 10, 2025, where he lived with Monica, his wife of 68 years.

He grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where he graduated from Chaminade High School. He attended the University of Dayton and graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University law school. He served as the attorney for the city of Kettering before entering the U.S. Air Force and receiving the rank of Captain. He was honorably discharged on April 11, 1967. Dave became a litigator for the law firm of Dunbar, Kenzel and Murphy, where he became a partner, and the firm was later renamed Murphy Young & Smith. He had over 45 years' experience in complex health care and class action litigation, earning numerous accolades as a trial lawyer. He was a neutral arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and a member of the American Judicature Society. He was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, master litigator of the American Inns of Court, a member of both the Supreme Court Historical Society and the American Academy of Health Care Attorneys. He also served as a judge advocate and director of the Ohio Legal Center Institute, chair of the Ohio Supreme Court's Rules Advisory Committee. Dave served both Democratic and Republican governors of Ohio. He tirelessly represented the Catholic Conference of Ohio and in this position argued and won multiple cases before the United States Supreme Court. For Dave's distinguished service to the Catholic Church, he was awarded in 2005 the first Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal bestowed by Pope Benedict. He served in multiple capacities with Medical Mutual of Ohio insurance company, including as director and Co-Chair of the Board.

In 2003, upon retiring from the law firm, he moved to North Carolina with his wife Monica and continued to practice pro bono law for several years, forming friendships with people that lasted for decades.

Dave was a lover of animals, especially his horse Scarlet. He was a terrific dancer and a competitive athlete who enjoyed handball and golf. In his youth, he played halfback for the semi-pro football team the Dayton Triangles and was a die-hard Ohio State football fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Gregory Young, Anneita (Jonny) Logan, and Sharon (Bob) Shurman. He is survived by his beloved wife, Monica Burns Young; children, Regina Young (Mark Fabi), Gregory Young (Rebecca), Cynthia Rubcich (Dave), Laura Young, and Christopher Young (Donna); thirteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Sheila Young.

A funeral mass will be held in his honor on October 17, 2025, at 12 Noon in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Southport, North Carolina.