Mark Alan Young

Mark A. Young, 65, of Chestertown, MD, died on Monday, January 23, 2022, at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center in Chestertown. Born on April 10, 1951, he was a son of the late Rev. David T. Young, who died in 1989, and Peggylou Young, who died in 1999. Mark grew up in Finleyville, PA, where his father was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a 1969 graduate of Monongahela High School. He attended West Virginia University and later earned a degree in fire science from Allegheny County Community College. He was a longtime firefighter, first with the Finleyville Volunteer Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of assistant chief, and later with the Easton Volunteer Fire Department in Maryland, where he was also on the ambulance crew. In addition to fighting fires, he was an expert fire photographer who shot thousands of images. Mark worked for several years at the U.S. Steel Clairton Plant near Pittsburgh, where he was a firefighter, emergency medical technician, and security guard. He later relocated to Easton and worked inspecting properties for fire insurance. In 2004, he suffered a stroke that robbed him of his speech and his mobility. His condition could not, however, rob him of his independence. Mark lived on his own and was an everyday presence on the sidewalks and streets of Chestertown, navigating his motorized wheelchair around town. His interests outside of firefighting were many. He enjoyed a wide range of music, from disco to Dixieland, was a big fan of movies both old and new, and had loved to tell long stories and snappy jokes. He was also famous among family and friends for his skill at driving all types of vehicles, including tiller firetrucks, and his ability to find what he claimed were shortcuts to anywhere and everywhere. Mark, who could and did befriend everyone, will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Survivors include his devoted sister, Trish, the wife of James Gruber of Chestertown. Trish was his primary caregiver whose selflessness was greatly appreciated by loved ones. Also surviving are two brothers, Mike, partner of Glenda Harrison, of Crystal River, FL, and Brian, husband of Margie, of Orwigsburg, PA; two nephews, Adam Young of Poland, OH; and Daniel Young of Orwigsburg; an aunt; uncle; and cousins. Friends are invited to informally visit with members of Mark’s family on Saturday, February 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home at 130 Speer Road in Chestertown. Plans are being made for services in the spring in Mark’s hometown of Finleyville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your local volunteer fire department to honor Mark’s memory.

Mark Alan Young

April 10, 1951 - January 23, 2017