CHICAGO — We sorrowfully share that John Vincent Young, age 73, passed away from heart complications at Loyola Hospital in Chicago on March 5, 2024. He was born the third child in Chicago on January 19, 1951 to John Young and Frances (Siedlecki) Young. Ever the academic, he earned his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in journalism and English at Illinois State University and lived the life of the mind.
As a high school English teacher at several Illinois schools, most knew John as Mr. Young. After teaching at Sheldon, Heritage, Monmouth, and Mount Zion schools, Mr. Young served the Oregon School District for over 20 years before retiring in 2018.
He was renowned for his unwaveringly high academic standards. No unsupported claim, disorganized analysis, or misplaced comma went unchallenged under his eye. He demanded quality work and attention to detail from his students, and because he held his classes to these standards, his students often claimed they learned how to think critically and write clearly because of Mr. Young.
Outside the classroom, John also supported students performing high school plays and organizing poetry slams. He unabashedly shared his love of 60’s counterculture, and as an avid guitar enthusiast, he sometimes played with students at school functions.
As a reader of literature, philosophy, and religious texts, John was not one to back down from lively discussions. He spoke truth to power and held strong opinions, though he often shared them with humor and humility. As a teacher, mentor, friend, father, and brother, he was generous with his time helping those in need, and his humanitarian actions and beliefs were an example for all who knew him.
John is survived by his son, Ed (Dallas) Young of Peoria, his sister, Carol Young of Oak Park, and his cat, Bella. He is preceded in death by his sister, Naomi Young.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to 5338 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL 61614.
