Bob "RJ" Young

Robert J. Young, 83, of Milford, beloved husband (43 years) of Janice (Onze) Young, passed away on November 8, 2021. Born on March 6, 1938 in Bridgeport, CT, he was the son of the late Donald and Alice (Harding) Young.

Bob’s early childhood was spent in Bridgeport and then moved to the shoreline community of Lordship. Bob loved the water and had boats from an early age. His 12’ dory took him on many adventures, especially with his brother and his best friend, Art.

Bob attended Stratford HS and was captain of the first SHS swim team, which received the MBIAC championship trophy. Bob graduated in 1956, attended UB and then joined the Air Force for 4 years, where he was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage Alaska, F.E. Warren AFB in Wyoming and Holloman AFB in Alamogordo New Mexico. When Bob left the service, he returned to Milford, where he has resided for over 60 years. His business career started as General Manager of two Howard Johnson locations in Milford and included multiple civic activities. He was involved in the Chamber of Commerce and the Food Committee for the first Milford Oyster Festival. He was on the Milford Zoning Board of Appeals and 1972 President of the CT Hotel-Motel Association. He taught Hotel-Motel Management at Bullard Havens and as an adjunct professor at University of New Haven. After Howard Johnsons, Bob was a purchasing agent at Avco Lycoming/Textron from which he retired.

Bob’s love of boating and the water was never ending. He was past commodore of Rivercliff Yacht Club in Devon. In 1983, he joined Valley Yacht Club where he is still a member and was Fleet Captain for 10 years. Bob and Jan loved to travel with friends both on land (as far as New Zealand/Australia) and on water. On a typical summer weekend, he would be on the boat with Jan, moored in Conscience Bay, Port Jefferson. Over the years, his boating travels spanned from Newburyport, MA to the Florida Keys. Many of these adventures were shared with his friends: Karen & Rich, Lorraine & Bob, Ronnie & Sal and Sherry & Dave. As recent as September, he vacationed in Martha’s Vineyard. Special thanks to our friends, especially Sherry & Dave who ensured that Bob was able to get out on many excursions these past few months.

Bob was never fond of the cold; therefore, after retirement he started to winter in Florida. First in the Florida Keys and then the past 16 years have been in their home in Englewood Florida. Bob was a certified diver and the Florida waters were perfect for that and fishing. His most recent dive being in the Cayman Islands in 2014. Above all things, Bob always loved spending time with and attending functions involving his grandchildren. From taking them boating to dance recitals/concerts to all types of sports, he was always there to support them and cheer them on.

In addition to his wife, Bob leaves behind his daughters, April (Bill) German and Allyson (Sal) Rosa; his very much loved grandchildren, Ally German (Chris) Skiba, Max German, Sal Rosa III and Sam Rosa; his brother, Don (Janet) Young; brothers-in-law, Jim (JoAnn) Onze, George (Kathy) Onze, and Matthew Onze; his sisters-in-law, Margaret (Fran) Principi, Jennifer Harrold, and Julie Onze; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his cherished aunt, Eleanor Young.

Also, a special thanks to Anthony for helping to care for Bob over the past couple of months.

Please join us for a Celebration of Bob’s Life on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 11 am at the Lordship Community Church 179 Prospect Dr., Stratford, CT. A gathering will follow at the Valley Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. 

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