Joseph J. Young

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2005. Born in Los Angeles on July 13, 1934, he was raised in Monrovia, California by his grandparents, Joseph and Sophia Heidemann until he was sixteen. He then went to live in Wilmington, California with his mother, Wanda Jones and his step-dad, Benny Jones. Joe attended Loyola High School for two years and then transferred to St. Anthony's High School in Long Beach. His first Job was as a longshoreman and he worked his way through the University of Southern California graduating with a B.S. in Education in 1957 and a Masters in Administration in 1962.

Joe and Beverly met at USC in 1954 and fell in love. They married in 1957 and had 6 wonderful children. Joe continued to longshore and began to teach 6th grade at Denker Avenue School. Later he went on to become the Youth Services supervisor for Area A for LAUSD. Joe progressed forward for 24 years working in the educational field, as Vice Principal of Hawaiian Avenue School, Principal of Del Mar Avenue School, and math teacher at Harbor Junior College in Harbor City. He retired from LAUSD and progressed full time into the financial field where he became a financial planner, specializing in helping teachers by forming his own company, Young and Associates.

Joe was active at his parish, St. Anthony of Padua, in Gardena. He served as the first president of the PTO, lector, Eucharist Minister, usher, Coordinator of the Counting crews, parish council and supportive of the school and parish.

He was very active at USC serving in many areas. He was a member of the president's Circle, the Board of Councilors, Cardinal and Gold, the Spirit of Troy, President of the San Pedro Peninsula Trojan Club for 10 years, member of the Slam Dunk Club, supporter of men's and women's basketball. He was awarded, in 2002, the University of Southern California Arnold Eddy Cardinal and Gold Volunteer of the Year Award.

Joe was also involved in the community. He served on the boards of The Propeller Club of the United States, port of Los Angeles-Long Beach, The Seaman's Institute of San Pedro, and The Kathryn Kurka Children's Health Fund.

Joe was a friend to all, always ready to help where help was needed. He was a leader, a caring man, a loving father, and always a good friend.

Joe is survived by Beverly, his wife of 48 years, his great children, Laurie Young, Joe Young, Michael Young, Chris Young, Julie and Sean Sedillo, Rob and Sophia Young, and two grandchildren, Zachary Joseph, and Alyson Laura Young.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1050 W. 163rd Street, Gardena. The Rosary and viewing will be at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 8, 2005, and the funeral Mass on Friday, September 9, 2005 at 10:00 A.M.