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Denver native Deacon John Joseph Young dies
After a series of illnesses, Deacon John Joseph “Joe” Young died Oct. 25. He was 84.
Deacon Young was born in Den-ver on April 22, 1943. He attended St. Louis School and would later receive a scholarship to Regis College. In November 1943, he entered the U.S. Navy and served in the Kodiak-area of Alaska during World War II.
He returned to Denver after his naval tour and married Marilyn Anne Phelan on May 3, 1947. He worked as a machinist at Gates Rubber Company and would later retire from Rocky Flats.
Deacon and Marilyn Young reared six children: Suellen (Schoenberger), Pam (Andrews), Dianna (Sax), Debra (Williams), John and Laurie (Finney). Deacon
Young also enjoyed his 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. His wife died in June 1999.
He was ordained in the Archdiocese of Denver by Archbishop James Casey on May 9, 1981. Deacon Young’s responsibilities included extensive work in the Diaconate Office, including being involved in selecting and forming men for diaconal ministry in the archdiocese. He also served at a number of parishes, including St. Vincent de Paul in Denver, All Souls in Englewood, St. Rita in Nederland and St. Pius X in Aurora. Deacon Young particularly enjoyed his ministry at St. Rita’s where he was a parish administrator from 1995 to 2002.
He was known as a man with a good sense of humor who cared for and touched the lives of many through his vocation.
“Deacon Joe Young was an important and visible presence to the diaconal community and to the faithful of the archdiocese,” said Deacon Joe Donohoe, director of deacon personnel for the archdiocese. “There are a lot of deacons and parishioners who will miss him.”
A funeral Mass was held at St. Vincent de Paul Church on Oct. 29. Interment was at Mt. Olivet the following day.
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