John Robert Young, Jr (June Bug), 79, of Alexandria, died on January 17, 2025 after a brief and unexpected battle with metastatic cancer.
John was a good, kind, honorable man who lived by a set of core values, recognizing and showing consideration and respect for the people and the world around him. One of his core beliefs, that every job is vital to the success of the whole, was on display until the very end.
As he was receiving compassionate and respectful end-of-life care at Virginia Hospital Center, John still managed to thank every contributing doctor, nurse, aid, dietitian, and environmental staff member.
John was born on April 1, 1945, to John Robert Young, Sr and Ettie Elese Young (Williams) in Alabama. He quickly earned the nickname, June Bug, which followed him his entire life.
Raised mostly in Columbus, Georgia, John graduated from President Theodore Roosevelt High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he joined the ROTC. He graduated from The Citadel in 1967, entering the United States Army as a Lieutenant, embarking on a decorated 26-year career.
While a cadet at The Citadel, he met the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Donna Mae Duggan. Knowing that John would be deploying directly into the Vietnam War, the couple married after a whirlwind courtship. Thankfully, John arrived home to both Donna and their son, John Robert Young, III, and soon welcomed their daughter, Michael Shannon Young DiGeronimo.
John was proud to name his daughter after SFC George Patrick Michael Shannon, who had served alongside him in Vietnam, leaving a lasting impression and significant impact on his life.
After retiring from the Army, John continued to serve his country through his 30-year career with the Department of Energy. He was a quiet and humble serviceman whose assignments and duties within both the Army and DOE carried an oath to National Security, so he didn’t speak much of work. However, his family and friends were proud to be associated with his honor, bravery, and strength of character. The US Army and US Government celebrated these traits in the form of the following decorations: Expert Infantry and Parachutist Badges, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal (5), National Defense Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Chief of Staff Identification Badge.
The people who knew John were well aware that he was most proud of his family. His marriage to Donna was characterized by a shared passion for kindness, and a desire to raise compassionate children and grandchildren. Everyone knew he was devoted to and delighted by his family.
When it came to his children, John was present and engaged. While carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, he showed up for every band concert, regatta, riflery competition, and spent hours in the garage rebuilding cars for John and Michael. When he wasn’t traveling for work, he was at the dinner table every night, instilling the importance of family. John and Donna were the first parents to attend the Miss Adams Morgan Pageant, when his son won in 1997. It took talent to win, but the set and props, built by John stole the show!
After they were born and until they started school, John spent most of his days watching his grandchildren. He planned lunches, daytime activities, and life lessons for each.
He and Donna spread love throughout their communities through honesty and respect for ALL mankind. He used every gift he had to take care of the world and the people around him.
John was an avid reader of military history and practiced his creativity with woodworking and drawing. He could “fix anything,” really! John spread random acts of kindness wherever he went and to whomever’s path he crossed.
John was predeceased by his love, Donna, and his parents John and Elese Young. He is survived by his son, John Robert Young, III (Stanley Cooper) of Worcester, MA; daughter, Michael Shannon Young DiGeronimo (Mark) of Alexandria, VA; grandchildren, Oliver Duggan DiGeronimo, Grace Duffy DiGeronimo, Maeve Delaney DiGeronimo all of Alexandria, VA; sisters, Joan Morris of Grapevine, TX and Becky Teninty of San Antonio, TX; a host nieces and nephews; and daughter squared, Mary Catherine Kern (Harrison).
Interment will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to PFLAG (https://pflag.org/donate/), Justice Rowing ( https://justicerowing.org/product/donate-rowing-scholarships/ ), or to The Citadel Fund (https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1674/c21/interior.aspx?sid=1674&gid=1004&pgid=783&cid=2151&dids=1)- Class of ‘67.