George John Young Jr. of Madison passed away on April 27 after a long illness. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and glider enthusiast. George was born to the late George and Anita Young on May 2, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He grew up in Cranford, New Jersey, and also spent many adventurous summers with family and friends at the Jersey Shore. He was predeceased by his parents; and brother Thomas.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1965, during the Vietnam War, and then attended Stevens Institute of Technology, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Engineering. After college, he moved to Connecticut, where he met and married his wife Nancy in 1977. A series of jobs ensued during his lifetime, most notably Waterbury Farrel, where he was vice president of rolling mills, specializing in automatic gauge controls and much travel to China, India, and Korea. In 2005, he joined IDEA in Milford as a Commissioning Engineer and continued to work on a part-time basis until recently.

George had an outgoing, friendly personality and loved meeting new people. He could talk to you at length about almost anything and enjoyed discussing things he had just learned — sometimes random but always interesting. An avid sailor and skier, he discovered his greatest passion later in his life — soaring. From his first introductory flight, he was hooked. He joined the Greater Boston Soaring Club, learned to fly, and purchased his own glider. He became heavily involved in the club and, in the last few years, earned his flight instructor certificate. As a people person and natural teacher, he found true enjoyment in helping others learn to glide.

George is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Aby Young; son, Peter Young; his wife, Britt; and adored granddaughter, Davis Olivia Young. He was also grateful for his numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

It was George’s wish that all who are able please consider donating blood or sign up for Be the Match.

A visitation for George was held on May 4 at the Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443. A funeral Mass was celebrated on May 5, at St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com for the Young Jr. family. In lieu of flowers, George’s family requests that you donate blood.