Donald C. Young

Donald Currier Young, age 90, of Fountain Hills passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017 at Honor Health Scottsdale Shea Hospital.

He was born July 5, 1927 in Elizabethtown, N.Y. to Coburn and Viola (Currier) Young and was the youngest of four children. Don received both his B.S. and M.S degrees from Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.

He dedicated his entire life to the growth and development of young people. He was an historian and shared his love of history with students at Ithaca High School, Ithaca, N.Y. for several years before becoming a guidance counselor there. He was also well known as the track and cross country coach in Ithaca.

He is survived by his wife, Christine, and his five children, Andrew Young, Deb (Tom) Porter, Donald Young, Emily Young, and Jennifer Young; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Don served in the United States Navy during World War II and continued serving in the Naval Reserve for 20 years, He received the American Theater Medal and the Victory Medal and retired a Lieutenant JG in 1966.

After too many long, snowy winters in upstate New York, Don moved to Fountain Hills. He enjoyed working with the Home Delivered Meals Program for a number of years. He was a member of the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon there.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, at the Benn Conger Inn in Groton, N.Y. Although Don loved the weather in Arizona where he lived for 24 years, he always wanted to return to his native New York. His ashes will be scattered there according to his wishes. Messengers Mortuary of Fountain Hills has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Don was a great animal lover and always had a dog beside him or a cat in his lap. In lieu of flowers, It would bring Don joy to have contributions made to Fearless Kitty, 16832 E Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 or the Arizona Humane Society, 1521 W Dobbins Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85041, in his memory.