John ‘Jake’ Kelly Young – formerly of Monessen
John “Jake” Kelly Young, 51, formerly of Monessen, died unexpectedly on Wednesday July 22, 2020, at his home in St. Charles, Ill. He was born on June 5, 1969, in Pittsburgh, son of the late Margaret I. Kelly Young and Dr. Joseph M. Young of Monessen, who survives. John received his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and worked in engineer design and management for Burgess-Norton Manufacturing in Geneva, Ill. His family was his greatest joy and was so very loved and will be horribly missed by them as he is gone much too soon. John achieved favorite uncle status immediately with all of his many nieces and nephews and his throne was never challenged. Whether it was giving the most incredibly unique, perfectly appropriate gifts, playing countless hours of sports, Xbox, Facetiming, helping with algebra, or discussing whatever life threw at them, they all cherished every moment with him. John appreciated his life and was committed to living every day to the fullest. He was well traveled and would visit family around the world (Australia, China, Hawaii, Ireland, Japan, Kenya). He was incredibly quick-witted and had an infectious personality that put a smile on the face of everyone he met. If you were lucky enough to be in a bar with him, he probably bought you a round. He had a way of staying present in the moment no matter who he was with or what was going on. He volunteered his time to multiple charities and would help anyone in whatever way he could. John loved his work and was committed to making his teams enjoy each and every day while learning something at the same time. In addition to his father, he is survived by three brothers, Joseph Michael (Qing) Young of Toyko, Japan, Kevin Daniel (Leslie) Young of Pittsburgh, Richard Alan (Melina) Young of Venetia; two sisters, Kathleen Ann (Theodore “Sonny”) Lucero of Monessen, Margaret Mary (Clyde) Horton of New Stanton; and by 12 nephews and nieces, Genevieve, Arianna and Josephina Young, Lucas, Jake and Karina Young, Nicholas and Maria Young, Benjamin and Tatum Lucero, Camren and Caden Horton. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at DALFONSO-BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES, 441 Reed Ave., Monessen. Everyone attending the viewing and services must wear a mask and practice social distancing. Only 25 people are permitted in the funeral home at a time. Services will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, beginning with a 9:30 a.m. blessing in the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Epiphany of Our Lord Church with the Rev. Michael J. Crookston officiating. John will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Monessen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Ave., Ste. 1300 Pittsburgh, PA 15222, www2.heart.org. Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.
