Richard "Rick" Young, 76, of Fonda, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Born on July 26, 1948, in Amsterdam, to the late Glenn and Emma (Burton) Young. As a child, Rick developed an appreciation for working hard and a strong work ethic helping to run his family's dairy farm.

Rick was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force, who served from 1969-1971. After returning from the Air Force, Rick was a long-time employee of White Mop Wringer Co. Where he proudly, "made things shiny." He also pursued a passion for photography. He worked with his wife, Andrea, for the Mohawk Valley Democrat newspaper as a photographer. He would continue to work at White Mop until its closure in 2004. He then worked for Mohawk Valley Leather Works until retirement. Rick was a dedicated NASCAR and Buffalo Bills fan. After retiring, he spent many summers camping and following his favorite drivers Bill Elliot and then Tony Stewart. In his later years, perhaps his biggest passion was his pets. Sharing snacks and snuggling with his dogs and cat would always make him smile.

On June 1, 1972, Rick married the love of his life, Andrea. Sadly, after almost 20 years of marriage, Andrea passed away in 1992.

Rick is survived by his daughters, Lee-Anna and Nicole Young; brothers, Michael, Dale, and Darrin Young; sister, Rebecca Young; furkids, Jethro, Matilda and Owen; sister and brother-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Eugene Young

Calling hours for Rick will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 4pm until 6pm at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fultonville. An additional hour of calling will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 10am where a funeral service will be held after beginning at 11am. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Wreaths across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME, 04623; the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS, 66675 or Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY, 12166.

Online condolences can be made at www.brbsfuneral.com