Paul R. Young
1938 - 2024
Paul R. Young of Cromwell, CT died peacefully with his family at his side at the Masonicare Health Center in Wallingford on January 5, 2024.
Born in Middletown to Hildur F. Young (Anderson) and Adolf J. Young of Cromwell, Paul graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
His first job was with the Hartford Electric Light Company at the South Meadows Station in Hartford. In 1962, he joined Raymond Engineering Laboratories as a junior engineer. He gained his professional engineering license and with the country's new goal of space exploration, he joined a small group that developed data recorders used by NASA and CalTech's Jet Propulsion Labs on various missions exploring Mars, Venus, and Mercury. He remained a part of that group his entire career. He continued to innovate and to mentor others. Paul and the team were granted multiple U.S. patents for the development of ruggedized, miniaturized memory products used in military and commercial flight as well as oil well drill bit telemetry. These devices remain in service today in U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy programs.
He was a Masonic member of the Washington Lodge #81 F&AM Cromwell, CT, an active supporter of Troop 3 Boy Scouts of America, served in various capacities with the Xavier High School Home and School Association and was a fixture at the gate of Palmer Field for home football games. Paul was a dedicated and active member of the Covenant Congregational Church of Cromwell serving as the chairman of the building committee for the new church and on the building committee for the new Children's Home.
He enjoyed staying up to date with all his grandchildren, loved to travel, was an accomplished craftsman, built a beautiful lake house, and over the years, often could be seen riding his tractor, snowmobile or jet ski.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Rosa Anne Young (Giuffrida), three sons, Jeffrey Young (Tracy) of Portland, CT, Karl Young (Evamarie) of Owens Cross Roads, AL, and Stephen Young (Susan) of Scituate, MA, as well as his grandchildren, Dr. Whitney Young (Todd Jones), Spencer Young (Patrick La Patina), Hayden Young (Stephanie), Maggie Young, Isabel Young and Caroline Young, one great-grandchild, Myla Mary Young and two beloved nieces, Amanda Hickman and Sally D'Amato. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Milton S. Young (Miriam) of West Hartford, CT.