Kenneth Allen Young

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of Kenneth Allen Young, who departed from this world on April 21, 2026, at the age of 98. Kenneth slipped away surrounded by the comforting presence of four generations of his beloved family in his home, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, perseverance, and adventure. Kenneth was born on March 5, 1928, in the quaint Village of Theresa, New York, to Kenneth Carlton Young and Ruth 'Queen' Allen Young. From an early age, he embraced the values of hard work and dedication while helping on his family's farm. These qualities would become the pillars of his character, earning him the admiration of all who knew him. In a love story for the ages, Kenneth married the love of his life, Rita Yolanda Pacific, on July 19, 1947. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey that spanned 69 years and all seven continents. Their shared passion for travel and exploration took them from the sunny shores of their beloved second home in Mexico to the far reaches of Greece, Italy, England, the Caribbean, Morocco, and China, where Kenneth fulfilled a lifelong dream of sailing down the Yangtze on a traditional junk. Kenneth's professional journey was marked by diligence and success. After joining the union as a journeyman with New York Central Railroad, he relocated to Ontario, California, in 1960. He then worked for Loud Engineering and Manufacturing, eventually finding his calling at Alger Precision Machining, where he served as plant manager until his retirement at age 53. A man of strong faith, Kenneth was an active member of both the Gideons and the Elks Club, and he faithfully served his church in numerous capacities. His commitment to community and camaraderie was reflected in his years on a local bowling team, where his laughter and sportsmanship were cherished by his teammates. Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, his older sister Daryl Evelyn Ieronimo, his beloved wife Rita, cherished grandson Christian Desilets, and dear friend Betty Allen. He is survived by his loving daughters, Jamie (Gary) Desilets and Darcie (Timothy) Gill, as well as an extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who carry on his legacy. His grandsons, Shawn (Heidi) Desilets, Aaron (Natalie) Gill, and Nathanael (Dana) Gill, and granddaughter Christen (Pendleton) Mitchell, along with his great-grandchildren Brittany Mitchell, Molli Mitchell, Genevieve Desilets, and others, were frequently regaled with tales of his adventures and learned the importance of tenacity and faith through his example. Kenneth also cherished his sister, Kay (Sheldon) McDonald, whose bond with him was a testament to the strength of family ties. A service to honor Kenneth's extraordinary life will be held on May 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Johnson Overturf Funeral Home, located at 307 S Palm Ave, Palatka, Florida 32177. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, reflecting Kenneth's spirit of generosity and care for others. Contributions can be made at https://thefoundationcares.org/give/. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Community Hospice for their compassionate service, their church family at Eleven22, the generous neighbors in Villa Farms, and all the friends who have shown unwavering support during this time. Jamie and Darcie would particularly like to express their gratitude to their husbands and children for their tireless care and devotion during Kenneth's final days. Kenneth Allen Young will be remembered as a beacon of strength, hope, and unwavering faith. His life was a testament to the power of love and determination, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.