John Clement Young
John Clement Young, 77, of Brookfield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, in Milwaukee, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born on November 15, 1947, in Shelby, Ohio, John lived a life rooted in faith, service, and deep devotion to those around him. A devout Roman Catholic, he graduated from The Josephinum Seminary in Ohio and Divine Word College, later earning advanced degrees from Ohio University and the University of Cincinnati.
John’s career spanned decades in labor relations and human resources. His career took him to live in Ohio, Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin and quite a bit of travel mixed in. “Big John” was hard to miss and even harder not to love so he collected friends everywhere he went. However, his heart was always in service to others. He was a lifelong volunteer who gave freely of his time and talents to hospitals, free clinics, and churches—especially where he could use his flawless Spanish to help underserved communities. One of the great honors of his life was serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Pozo Azul, Costa Rica. The families he met there, and the friendships he formed with his fellow Peace Corps volunteers, held a sacred place in his heart for the rest of his life.
John is survived by his devoted wife of almost 5 decades, Julieta Young (nee Zamora); his children Rene Romano (Jason), Nicole Scully (John), and Austin Young (Lilia); and his cherished grandchildren Nick Romano, Jack, Nora, Sarah, and Thomas Scully. He also leaves behind his brothers Ken (Marilyn) Young and Tim (Jo) Young; brother-in-law Rick Gosser; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. His Costa Rican sisters and brother in-law, Emilia Zamora (Eduardo), Fernando Zamora, Ana Zamora, along with many friends and family in John’s second home of Costa Rica, who will cherish the decades of memories together
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Nellie Young, and his sisters, Judy McClurg and Jeanne Gosser.
John was a man of great warmth and humor, known for his infectious laugh, signature sayings, and unwavering authenticity. He had a deep love for the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds, black-and-white Westerns, a good scotch and ice cream. But his greatest joy was always time spent with family, where his kindness, guidance, and joyful spirit left an indelible mark.
A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11 am (PLEASE NOTE THE EXACT DATE) at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5741 State Route 61 Shelby, Ohio with Msgr. Dennis Metzger, John’s cousin, celebrating. Calling hours will be at the church, one hour prior to Mass, from 10-11 am. Burial will be in the church cemetery with a reception to follow. All who knew and loved John are welcome to attend and celebrate his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Area Free Clinic in John’s name www.lakeareafreeclinic.org or to a charity of your choice.
Care for John and his family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home in Shelby. Condolences may be left on John’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
John Clement Young lived with purpose, compassion, and an open heart. His legacy is one of faith, service, laughter, and love—and it lives on in everyone who was blessed to know him and to know that amazing laugh.
Nuestras sentidas condolencias a la familia. Paz eterna para don Jhon, excelente ser humano. Siempre vivirá su recuerdo en nuestro corazón . Con el cariño de siempre: Familia Morún Méndez. Pozo Azul. Abangares. Guanacaste. Costa Rica
Julieta, Rene, Austin and Nicky,
You were so fortunate to have such a wonderful husband father and friend. I remember how inviting John and Julieta were to Norma me and our family when we move to West Chester.
We were blessed to know him. I thank God he was part of our life.
Jack
Mis condolencias para toda la familia, grandes recuerdos tengo de John, una gran persona y ser humano, Dios lo tenga en su Gloria.
Vuela alto mi amigo
Mi sentido pésame a Julieta, hijos, nietos, y cuñados.
Que de Dios goce John Young, a quien como indica su descripción fue un devoto y solidario ser humano que deja un gran ejemplo de amor y entrega. A los brazos del altísimo, como lo merece.
A toda su familia, paz y la certeza de haber sido parte de la vida y el amor de un ser tan especial en sus vidas.
Un abrazo en la distancia.
Family…..John was an amazing Man…. He will be sorely missed. ..
Our deepest condolences. We so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please know we are here for you.
Love, Spence, Laura & Stephanie
I want to extend my condolences to Julieta, Rene, Nikki, Austin and the entire family.
Knowing John for 40 years was such a blessing! So many great memories!
I had the distinct pleasure of working with John for 15 years at two different companies. As you would expect, John used his well-developed interpersonal skills to connect with people at all levels of the organization. He was dedicated and trustworthy. Perhaps most important, John never flinched in an adverse situation.
We met as professional colleagues and became friends. My life is so enriched because I had a friend named John Young.
Doug Kamm
Sentimos gran pena por la partida de nuestro queridísimo John, quien siempre abrió generosamente su corazón y su casa para nosotros. Damos gracias infinitas por el privilegio de haberlo conocido y tenido en nuestra familia por casi cinco décadas. Vivirá siempre en nuestros corazones.♥️
Dear Family,
I was blessed to have had the opportunity to both work with and get to know John several years ago when he joined my global HR team as my Manager of Latin America HR at RPS! John’s spirit, dedication and passion to everything he engaged himself in was amazing, just like him. John had an infectious personality and touched so many people – anyone that came in contact with John was luck to have done so! He always spoke with pride and joy about his wife and his family, and his commitment to helping and serving others! He truly lived a life of example and compassion – we need more people like him in this world! John adored life and people and his spirit will live on forever! He will be greatly missed and by so many! I am grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know John over the past 18+ years. My sincere thoughts and condolences to John’s family – you were truly his pride and joy! I know you will rest in peace, John, and your memory will serve as an example and grow through the many people you touched over the years!
What a huge loss! John was simply the best friend anyone could ask for in a person! So kind, caring, and loving! Hugs to his family.
Rest in Peace, my friend.