Phillip G. Young, age 74, of Gouverneur passed away at his home on September 18, 2011 under the care of his loving family and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Mr. Young in the spring on a day and time to be announced later. Arrangements are being handled by French Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Phillip was born on January 15, 1937 in Gouverneur to the late John R. and Mina D. (House) Young. He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1957 and earned his mechanic certification through Evinrude Motor’s trade school in Milwaukee, WI.

He married Joan M. Messina on June 11, 1960 in Frankfort, NY. The couple has lived in Gouverneur all of their married lives. Mr. Young was a self employed small engine repairman whom also worked for Porter’s Marine, Nesco’s, and Farley Equipment in Gouverneur. Phil also worked as a custodian for the Gouverneur West Side Elementary School and BOCES for 21 years before his retirement at the age of 55.

Phil had been a member of the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department for 33 years, having served as past Chief, Assistant Chief and Secretary of Hose Company #2. He was a former President of the St. Lawrence Country Fire Chief’s Association, a member of the Gouverneur Elks, American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, and VFW DADS and VFW Men’s Auxillary and he was a member of the Exempt Firemen for the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department.

He was also an active member of the Westside PTA and served several offices in that organization. Phil enjoyed hunting, fishing and four-wheeling and having great times at his hunting camp in Cranberry Lake with his children and grandchildren. Loving the outdoors, he and Dick Foster were instrumental in bringing cross-country skiing to the Gouverneur Elementary Schools.

His survivors include his wife, Joan; two daughters, Christine Thompson and her companion, Steven Brassard of Edwards, Debbra Effertz of Brownville; a son, Steven and his wife, Natalie Young of Gouverneur; a brother Donald and his wife, Nancy Young of Massena; sister-in-law, Jean Young of Lake Bonaparte; his grandchildren, Joseph and Alison Thompson, Nicholas Brassard, Matthew Girard, Maria and Anthony Colangelo, and Isaiah Young; and several nieces and nephews, and his little dog, Charlie.

Mr. Young was predeceased by his parents; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Richard Young and Wayne and Charmain Young; and two sisters who died in infancy, Phyllis and Shirley Young.

Donations given in memory of Phillip may go to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US HWY 11, Potsdam NY 13676.