Damon A. Young

Damon Allen Young, 59, of Center Moreland, passed away at home on Monday, April 5, 2010 as a result of Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). Damon was born in Kingston, PA on June 19, 1950 to L. Myrl (Steele) Young and the late Kenneth A. Young. He graduated from Dallas Senior High School in 1968. He continued his education at West Chester State College, graduating with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education in 1973. Damon married Suzanne M. Haws, of West Chester, PA, on January 4, 1975 at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity in West Chester. They were former residents of Dallas Township, and have lived in Center Moreland for 22 years where they raised 3 wonderful children. Damon began his career as a teacher and a swim coach in the Wyoming Valley West School District. In 1975 he joined the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA as the Physical Director, and was instrumental in starting the first Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in the Wyoming Valley. Six years later, Damon accepted a position as the Executive Director of the Susquehanna River Tri-State Association. He was presented with the Regional Environmental Action Award by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Council for outstanding contributions in improving the environmental quality of life in Northeastern PA. In 1984, he went on to become the founder and President of Allied Medical and Technical Careers, a vocational-technical post-secondary career training center. Damon felt that his employees were a part of his family, which is evident in this quote taken from an article published about him: “I probably haven’t managed our schools the way anybody says you should manage a business. I’ve always done it like my faculty and staff and students are extended family members.” In 1999, Damon retired to pursue a lifelong passion for working outdoors by founding Young’s Lawn and Property Care. He received great joy in being able to work side by side with family members and close friends whom he loved. Damon was actively involved with his community throughout his life. He was a member of the Center Moreland United Methodist Church. He served on the board of various organizations, was a PIAA sports official, and coached his children in Little League and youth basketball. Damon was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. His zest for life and love for family were central to his being. He attended every event in which his children participated, and loved every minute of it. The home that he and Sue created was a gathering place for friends and family; Damon was happiest when he was surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. He found simple pleasure spending time on his farm raising animals, building a pond, constructing a cabin, driving his horse and buggy, and tending to his orchards. Damon’s other hobbies included running, biking, hiking, and spending time outdoors. His most recent joy was watching his two grandsons grow, tempered with sadness he felt at knowing that his illness prevented him from doing with them what he had done with his own children. Damon was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth, and his son, Damon Steele Young, who died of cancer in 2006 at the age of 24. His son’s death devastated him beyond words. He is survived by his wife; mother, of Dallas, PA; brother Bruce Young and wife Kathy, of Drums, PA; son, Kenny Young, at home; daughter Sara Lupinski and husband Paul, of Tunkhannock, PA; and grandsons William and Andrew Lupinski. Funeral services will be Saturday April 10th at 10 a.m. from the Center Moreland United Methodist Church with Rev. Lori Robinson officiating. Friends and family may call at the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73 West Tioga St., Tunkhannock Friday evening from 4 – 8 p.m. For directions and online condolences visit www.sheldonkukuchkafuneralhome.com Memorial contributions may be made to the Damon S. Young Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o People’s National Bank, PO Box 149, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.