Gary was born on June 20, 1937 in Charleston West Virginia to Charles Young and Hazel Strum. Gary worked from an early age helping his grandmother Bessie Strum do errands at her boarding house. Charleston was his home and he had many lifelong friends. Gary was interested in exploring the world and joined the Navy Reserves. He loved being at sea and wanted to make it a career. Unfortunately, the regular Navy was full so he joined the Marine Corps and learned electronics. Electronics lead him to Marco Island working for a contractor known as Vitros. Gary worked on the minuteman missile and some other military projects. Years later, Gary would be informed he was working for the CIA on a special military project. Gary was recruited by the CIA, FBI and Secret Service. His love for family and Naples kept him in Southwest Florida. Gary met his first wife Linda Dow and they had two children Wayde and Lori. Gary joined Naples Police Department in 1963 and worked his way up through the ranks from Patrol Officer to Chief of Police. Holding that position from 1977, Chief Young retired from NPD in 1979. Many noteworthy things happened in Naples during his time with the police department. Prepping for the John F Kennedy trip to Naples the week after Dallas, the secret bunker on Keewaydin Island, the secret safe on 5th Ave containing what many believed was the succession plan for the country, patrol car Uber from St George and Dragon to Port Royal, rounding up animals from Mr. Slaters zoo and some serious cases Gary chose to forget.
It was during early 70’s when Gary met Sandy, the love of his life. They were married and Gary adopted Sandy’s two sons Sean and Kenneth. Gary was known as Coach Young to the many young men he coached at PAL. He was a stock car driver (once), bought, drove and sold a swamp buggy. The motor sports hobby was replaced by family camping trips that he loved so much. Gary had a passion for drawing as evidenced by the many commercial commissions he did over the years. A part time draftsman, he used his talents to draw many buildings along 41 and fifth Ave. Garys love for service and police work pulled him from a short retirement to joining the Collier County Sheriff's Office in 1985. Gary hired many well respected CSSO employees and later worked as facilities manager responsible for the jail addition, parking buildings, special ops, Immokalee jail and may other duties. Author of the “Duck Report” and would wear Hawaiian shirts daily. Gary retired from the Sheriffs Office on July 2, 2007.
During retirement he enjoyed playing his guitar, water aerobics, going on cruises, watching butterflies, talking weekly to his classmates and retired brothers in arms. He authored books about Naples Police early stories. He was an outstanding artist both painting and hand drawing. Recently, he was working on a children’s book with his daughter Lori titled “Doodle Bug Dance". He loved/cared for his wife Sandy and was a huge advocate for all his children and grandchildren. He was intelligent, compassionate, creative. Gary was a hero to many.
Gary is preceded in death by wife of 52 years Sandy the love of his life.
He is survived by his son Wayde (Cecilia) Young, daughter Lori Young (Mindy Brooks), sons Sean Young, Kenneth Young (Heather Parks-Shedlock) grandchildren Marisa and Carmine (Kristina) Vessella, Angel Burrey, Allison, Brandy, Katie and Kyle, Trevor, Kyla, Brianna and great grandchildren Carmine Jr and Gianna Vessella, Marla, Ray, Laya, Madeline, Silas, Charlotte, Matilda, Myles, Raemi and Charlie. First cousins Catherine (Howard) Newkirk and Robert (Donna) Young, sister in law Kathy Jardone and her son Nick, Patrick, Craig, Shireena Holland and childhood friends Becky, Mary and Janet. Sheriffs Don Hunter, Kevin Rambosk and the many deputies and police officers he called friends.
A Celebration of Life is planned for October 2, 2024 from 4-7pm at the Naples Hilton - 5111 Tamiami Trail North Naples Florida 34103. Hawaiian shirt or casual clothes.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Naples Humane Society or Veterans Home Base of Southwest Florida
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