Gerald O. Young

Gerald O. Young, of Route 13, East Homer, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 96.

He was born December 8, 1921, second of seven children born to the late Otis and Hazel Henry Young.

A lifelong farmer, Gerald started milking cows at the age of 8 and was still raising butternut squash and pumpkins this year. He remained devoted to his family of origin. He swapped haircuts with his brother, Ernie for almost 80 years. Gerald loved music and dancing. Playing his harmonica, along with his longtime friend, Paul Albro, was a treat for everyone. He enjoyed hunting, building projects and visiting with friends and neighbors at Poole’s (McGuire’s) Drive-In. He and his wife travelled widely. He shared his zest for life and playful spirit everywhere, whether playing harmonica for farmers in Nepal or doing a headstand on the back of a camel in the Middle East.

Always active in civic affairs, Gerald loved and served his community. He was the past president of the Cortland Bulk Milk Producers, served as Homer Town Justice, and Homer Town Supervisor. He served on the board of directors of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at Cornell and was chosen for the initial class of the Hall of Fame for his fraternity last spring. He served for many years on the Board of Trustees for the Cortland Savings Bank. He was a longtime member of the Albright Grange in East Homer, Cortland County Farm Bureau, and Cortland County Holstein Club. He was a 64-year member of the Homer Masonic Lodge. He volunteered several times to work on projects for Habitat for Humanity.

He was also an active lifelong member for many years of the East Homer United Methodist Church.

Gerald is survived by his four children, Stuart (Susan) Young of Cortland; Dr. Linda Young-Miller (Steve Miller) of Livermore, CA; Dr. Deborah Young Bradshaw (Michael Owen) of Jamesville; and G. Douglas (Janet) Young of Union Springs. He was ‘Bumpy’ to Adam Young of Mesa, AZ; Zachary (Amanda) Young of Homer; David (Erin) Miller of Pleasant Hill, CA; Debra Miller of Daly City, CA; Lara Rose Miller of Livermore, CA; Elizabeth Bradshaw of Jamesville; Grace Bradshaw of Geneva, Switzerland; Christopher Owen of Telluride, CO; Rebecca Owen of North Hampton, MA; Luke Young of Union Springs, Dustin (Brandi) Young of Union Springs; Drew Young of Pagosa Springs, CO and Lindsay (Kyle) Frye of Union Springs. Also surviving are four great grandchildren, Noah and Ryan Young of Homer and Bodhi and Grayson Miller of Pleasant Hill, CA; three brothers, Ernest (Janet) Young of Cuyler; Kenneth Young of Owasco; Otis (Kathy) Young of East Homer; his sister-in-law, Carolyn Turner of Skaneateles; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Elizabeth N. ‘Betsy’ Young in 1999; his siblings, Malcolm (Geraldine) Young; Margaret (George) St. John and Merwin Young as well as his sister-in-law, Georgienna Young.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2017 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 6:00–9:00 p.m. at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 US Route 11, Homer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Grace Christian Fellowship, 1250 Fisher Ave., Cortland. A celebration of Gerald’s life will immediately follow the services at the Truxton Community Center, Academy St., Truxton.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Young’s name may be directed to the East Homer Methodist Church, 2642 Rt. 13, Cortland, NY 13045 or to the Education Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho, Zeta Chapter, Gerald Young Scholarship, 10101 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153.

 Service Information