Gary L. Young, 76, of
Perry, Ohio, passed away following a long-fought battle with medical issues.
He was born on Aug. 20, 1948, to the late Thomas and Helen (McMinn) Young in Punxsutawney.
He entered the United States Army in 1968 and went directly to Vietnam after obtaining a diploma from business college in New Castle. Gary became a career service member, serving our country his entire life. While in the military, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), Army Good Conduct Medal (5th award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Service Medal (2nd award), Vietnam Service Medal, Gunanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd award), Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Bar, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Metal, and Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar. Gary was a true hero and retired as Sergeant First-Class Non-Commissioned Officer E-7.
Although he dedicated his life to protecting the people of the Untied States, he found time to live life civilian-style over the years. He was a Moose member, and enjoyed golfing, shooting pool and darts, camping, traveling, playing cards and hunting. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Gary retired to Wyoming in 1997, where he would go to hunt every year.
Gary is survived by his wife, Patricia "Trish" (Damerval), whom he married Oct. 3, 2002, of
Perry, Ohio; son Jeremey (Christine) Young of Conneaut; two stepchildren, Kevin Smith and Robyn Barker, both of South Carolina; two brothers, Harry T. Young of Albion and William E. Young of Punxsutawney; five grandchildren, Sean Young of Conneaut, Kristina Mills, Brett Mills, Noah Barker of South Carolina and Michael Berzner of New York; and numerous nieces, nephews and more distant relatives.
Funeral service will be 12 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025 ,at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, Ohio, with Pastor April Osborne officiating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Cowle Post 151, with Gary's grandson Sean playing Taps at Kelloggsville Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 10:30 until the time of service on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to Feed Our Vets, 433 Center St., Ashtabula, OH 44004. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
The Marcy Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with his service arrangements. Go to
www.marcyfuneralhome.com to light a candle in Garys memory or write a condolence to his family.
Published by The Punxsutawney Spirit from Apr. 28 to Apr. 29, 2025.