Obituary: John Jack Alfred Young, 90, of Branford, formerly East Haven

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Jack was born at home in East Haven, CT on July 11, 1933, “just in time for lunch,” to Alice (nee Perdrizet) and Robert Young. As a boy, he was a member of the Bradford Manor Drum Corps, where he played trumpet. He won first place in several bugling competitions over the years. He attended Boys State as a high schooler and worked at the local movie theatre in East Haven. He was industrious from an early age, holding several different part time jobs during high school and college.

Jack graduated from East Haven High School and went on to study education at Southern Connecticut State University, earning a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a Sixth Year certificate in Administration. He taught biological science in East Haven Public Schools for 39 years, retiring in 1994. Additionally, he taught in the nursing program at St. Raphael’s Hospital, at Greater New Haven State Technical College, and for Southern Connecticut State College/University. He thoroughly loved teaching, getting to work with students to help them attain their goals. In addition to his teaching career, Jack was a long-time employee of Birbarie Marine Sales in Branford where he was known for his rope splicing and work with customers. He enjoyed his work for Paul Birbarie for nearly 50 years, especially his colleagues there.

Jack married Marilyn Condon Young in 1958 and they were together for 36 years until her death in 1994. Their daughter Allison joined them in the 1960s and the family resided in Branford. Jack enjoyed fishing, bowling, woodworking, gardening, and other crafts and hobbies. His love of gardening was something he gleaned from his mother, who explained to him that helping her in the garden would make him a good husband someday. He enjoyed working with Allison in the garden, even in recent years. He instilled in her a love of outdoor activities. He also had a good time helping to coach a few of Allison’s summer softball teams. Later in life, he added golf to his hobbies, traveling to several states to golf with friends and playing in various local fundraisers.

He was very fortunate to meet Jane Keilty, giving him a second family through her sons Scott, Duane (Joann), and Josh. This also provided him an opportunity to have grand children with Ryan and Brenna Keilty, Dillon and Kasey Keilty, and Maxx Spinnelli. He enjoyed his time with all of them, boating, golfing, spending holidays with them and going on several trips, including a trip to Costa Rica.

Jack was always eager to help others and his community. He coached the Boy’s Swim team at East Haven High School for several years in the late 50s and early 60s. He served as a deacon and on the church council at the Old Stone Church in East Haven during the late 70s and early 80s. He belonged to the United States Power Squadron, a boating education organization, for many years. He was a Mason for 34 years as a member of the Widow’s Son Lodge #66 in Branford, and he also served on the Town of Branford Shellfish Commission. Jack was generous, kind, honest, and caring. He was a loving son, brother, partner, uncle, and father; a good friend and neighbor; and a caring, committed educator.

Jack died peacefully in his sleep on a beautiful sunny morning on the 21st of September, 2023 at the ARK of Branford Hills after a long summer stay. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Alice, his wife, Marilyn, and his nephew, Brian Sword. He is survived by his daughter Allison (Valerie) Hart-Young, of Kalamazoo, Michigan and his nieces and nephews as well as his long time companion, Jane Keilty of Branford, and her children and grandchildren.

A celebration of Jack’s life is planned for November 4 at 10am at the Old Stone Church in East Haven, CT. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue or flannel in honor of Jack’s favorite color and pattern.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the John A. and Marilyn C Young Memorial Foundation. Checks can be made out to SCSU Foundation, and John and Marilyn Young in the MEMO. You can also go to https://www.southernct.edu/giv... to give. Under Designation Click “Other” and type in “John A. and Marilyn C. Young Memorial Foundation” as the Fund name.