Joseph Perry Young

Joseph Perry Young, 81, of Laurel, MD passed away on September 28th at his home. He was a senior spacecraft systems engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center for 30 years and continued his aerospace engineering career as a contractor for NASA until his death.

Born at home in Refugio Texas on January 14th, 1931 to Mary Elizabeth Collier and Joseph Calvin Young, he graduated valedictorian of his high school. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma in aeronautical/mechanical engineering and went on to earn two masters degrees from the University of Southern California and Drexel University in aerospace and mechanical engineering. Mr. Young also served in the U.S. Army during 1955-1957 and worked at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, MD.

During the past 20 years he became an avid bicyclist. He participated in many charity bike rides across the U.S, supporting his favorite causes while enjoying various regions of the U.S. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lucille Gillan Young, his four daughters Cynthia Shelberg, Carol Halligan, Mary Jo Naber and Claudia Florenzo, and nine grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held on November 24, 2012, 2 pm, at Oaklands United Presbyterian Church, Laurel, MD. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the Brain Injury Association of Maryland.