William V. Young

William Vincent Young Jr., of Grand Island and Buffalo, New York, died peacefully April 3, 2024 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born on Nov. 14, 1944, he is survived by cherished daughter Melissa Ann Young, of Central Florida, and his six siblings: Daryll A. Carter Sulliman, Robert N. Young (Carla), Thomas J. Young (Janet), Deirdre J. McOwen (Richard), Lawrence R. Young (Lynn), Deborah J. Kellner (Trey), his former wife of 29 years, Mary Ann Young, and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, William V. Young and Elizabeth J. Young (nee. Theisen).

As the oldest son, Billy found himself to be the male head of the household at the young age of six when his father suddenly died. He assumed the role seriously but also maintained his laid back, reserved personality as a child. His role as his mother’s dance partner in the “Seven Little Young’s” dance performances showcased his easy going look on life and his willingness to cooperate even when ballroom dancing was not his favorite thing to do. Billy was an “Irish twin” and with the tumultuous teen years that only four teen brothers bring, he managed to value family as they all always stuck together. Billy never seemed to be in a panic or stressed out. He was the cool, calm and collected one.

Bill attended St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Canisius College, and enlisted in the US Air Force serving in the Philippines during the Vietnam conflict. He returned with an expertise in electronics and applied his knowledge as a long-term sales representative at Summit Electronics and later as a partner at Tri-Tech Electronics.

William, Billy, Bill, brother, Uncle, and Dad, a man always up for anything, would give you his last penny if he knew you were in need. It was his willingness to help others, his quick wit, and his generosity that truly set him apart from others. He would drop everything to help you out, lend an ear, or a dollar, often putting his own needs aside in the process.

Bill was a great listener and had a positive outlook on the world and the people in it. Much of his life was spent on Grand Island, raising his only child, Melissa, and spending time with his former wife, Mary Ann. When the couple was together as a family, they enjoyed traveling to warmer climates, dining out, and experiencing different cultures. Bill wasn’t afraid of anything and looked on the brighter side of things. He always encouraged Melissa to be strong, fearless, and proud of who she was and the direction she was headed no matter what. He shared his calm collected nature with her as he advised her to not sweat the small stuff.  He enjoyed golf, chess, billiards, bowling, jazz music, sci-fi movies, numbers, the Buffalo BILLS, playing cards, spending time at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), working with the Rotary Club and his dogs, Princess and Roxy.

Through his adult years, Bill’s battle with mental illness motivated him to always want to help others even when he found it difficult to help himself. His battle with cancer never stopped him. He still had the drive and motivation to push himself beyond his limitations, even up to his final moments. For him, this was just another trial he had to endure; sadly, it eventually took his life.

Bill was a unique soul, whose sharp mind, self-taught smarts, and hilariously dry sense of humor made him unforgettable. He had a knack for cracking jokes and making side comments that would catch others off guard. His sense of humor, innate kindness, and habit of putting others first will live on in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have known and been loved by him.

Final burial with military honors will occur at the National Veterans Cemetery, Corfu, New York on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 1:00 pm.

Donations in Bills honor to:

National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI Buffalo & Erie County info@namibuffalony.org or

WNY Heroes Vet Dog Program pawsitive@pawsitiveforheroes.org  1001 East Delevan Suite 9
Buffalo, NY 14215
 Condolences may be made at www.GinnaneFuneralHome.com

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