By the family

Aug. 26, 2020: George Alan Young died peacefully at his home in Bronxville, NY, on August 24, 2020, due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 92 years old.

George was born on January 27, 1928, and grew up the youngest of three sons of Owen and Irene Young in Tenafly, NJ. He had a charmed childhood, doted on by his parents and teased by his older brothers, DeWitt and Webster. He enjoyed school, played sports, and got into innocent mischief with his high school friends with whom he remained very close throughout his life.  

When George was 13, the US entered World War II, and his brothers went off to fight in the war. When George was 17, his parents allowed him to join the Marines before his 18th birthday, knowing the war was almost over. In fact, during George’s basic training at Parris Island, World War II ended with Japan’s surrender in September 1945. However, troops were still needed to maintain peace around the world, so George shipped off to China, where he drove a tank.

After World War II, George attended Wesleyan University. He then embarked upon a career in publishing and research, eventually starting his own firm, which focused on business-to-business market research.

Throughout his life, George also gave back to his community. In Bronxville, his volunteer activities ranged from being a member of the town’s Board of Education and President of the Bronxville Field Club to weekly tutoring sessions with underprivileged children.  

However, George’s work and volunteer pursuits never got in the way of his many interests and varied hobbies.  

George loved fishing, singing show tunes, cheering on the Giants, debating politics, playing tennis and paddle, snooping through antique stores and garage sales, coaching softball teams, photographing old barns on country roads, eating ice cream (yes, in George’s eyes, this was a “hobby”), socializing with good friends, camping, painting watercolors, traveling the world and learning about other cultures, and body surfing in the ocean.  

George reminded us all to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature. He was quick to pick up a pair of binoculars to catch an osprey flying, quicker still to share the glasses with a friend to savor the moment.

But it should be noted here that George was also good at complaining ... about George Steinbrenner … and Tina Brown as editor of The New Yorker … and rich, heavy sauces that ruined good cuts of meat or fish. 

More than almost anything else, though, George loved to laugh. He would spend countless hours devising elaborate ways to tease and amuse unsuspecting dogs, kids, and grandchildren. His openness and silliness were contagious. George was never able to finish a joke or a funny story because he was always laughing too hard.  

George shared his sense of humor and his optimistic outlook with his family and friends. He loved spending time with, learning from, and laughing with close friends, extended family, and sometimes even complete strangers.  

George woke up every morning with a big smile, looking forward to getting the most out of his day. His was a life well-lived.  

George is survived by his wife, Carol McMahon Young; his daughters Megan Young Wiese (Russell), Kate Young, Toby Young and Julie Young Weiler (Kurt); his seven grandchildren Bryson Wiese, Owen Wiese, Caroline Wiese, Ellie Weiler, George Weiler, Finley Weiler, and Tess Weiler, as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family.

George was predeceased by his daughter Pamela Lee Young, his son Malcolm DeWitt Young, his brothers Owen DeWitt Young and Webster Axline Young, and his parents Irene Boshler Young and Owen George Young.

A Memorial Service will be held at The Reformed Church of Bronxville on Tuesday, September 1st, at 11 am.

In compliance with CDC and local health guidelines, the church will accommodate approximately 125 people in the Sanctuary. Please note that masks are required for all attendees.

The church is pleased to offer the service livestream. Please contact the church for details at (914) 337-6776.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the World Wildlife Foundation (https://help.worldwildlife.org/hc/en-us/articles/360008011353-Memorial-Gifts) or the charity of your choice.