Robert Allen Young

Westbrook and Dover-Foxcroft - Robert Allen Young, passed away on March 5, 2024 at the age of 92. He was born in Westbrook, Maine, on February 8, 1932, to Ralph and Alice (Shaw) Young of Westbrook. He grew up in Westbrook and attended local schools. Between 1950 and 1954 Bob served in the U.S. Army and was active on the front lines of the Korean War with the 25th Infantry Division. On November 20, 1954, he married Dorothy L. Newcomb of Chebeague Island, a marriage that lasted for more than 69 years.
He served as a full-time firefighter in the city of Westbrook for several years, before becoming the city's first Fire Inspector in 1967 after surviving a bad accident that forced him off duty for a year. He served in that role until his retirement in 1994.
For more than 60 years Bob was an active member and integral part of the ministry of North Deering Alliance Church, where he served on the church board and as the Treasurer. In later years he often talked about how much he wanted to see Jesus, and how much he looked forward to being reunited with old friends from the church.
Bob loved his family, his church family, his pets, Snoopy, The Gaithers, Celtic Thunder, parades, Christmas, and the coast of Maine. He started and for several years organized the Westbrook Fire Prevention Parade, which brought together many floats, marching bands, old and new fire apparatus, and more, and became a city highlight every October. He loved to decorate his home for Christmas, inside and out, and to drive around to find the best Christmas light displays.
Bob was a survivor for 92 years. He survived having a tree dropped on top of him while a teenager. Survived waves of brutal enemy attacks and brutal cold on the front lines in Korea. Survived a nearly fatal accident as a firefighter, when he was hit by a car while servicing a fire hydrant, flying 50 feet through the air, suffering a compound leg fracture; fractured wrists, collar bone, and ribs; plus damage to internal organs. And survived 3 heart attacks.
Bob was predeceased by his parents; wife, Dorothy, who passed just 13 days earlier; sisters, Rae Alley, Shirley Donahue, and Charlotte Ramsdell; and brother, Walter. Surviving are brothers, Philip and wife, Heidi, of Farmingdale, and Edward and wife, Diana, of Windham; two sons, Robert of Dover-Foxcroft and wife, Emma, and David of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and wife, Rachel; 6 grandchildren: Joshua, Jared, Serena, Candice, Briana and Jasmine; 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service with military honors will be held 1PM Friday, April 19, 2024, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Westbrook, along with wife, Dorothy. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending a memorial contribution to Beacon Hospice Care, 1026 Stillwater Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home.