Obituary of Leonard Joseph Young, Sr.

Leonard Joseph Young, Sr. affectionately known as Joe, made his transition to eternal rest on Wednesday, March 10, 2016 after a short illness. Joe’s transition comes only 40 days after the transition of his beloved wife, Vivian. Joe and Vivian were married for 73 years and had a long and very good life. Their lives were intertwined like the roots of two trees planted closely together and one was the foundation and support system for the other. A proud Wilmingtonian, born on May 25, 1920, he was the second child of the late Alethea B. and William S. Young, Sr. Joe grew up on Tatnall Street in an area now known as Mid-town Brandywine. A neighborhood he was so fond of and wrote memorable stories concerning his childhood experiences. He received his elementary and secondary schooling in the segregated schools of Wilmington. After receiving his diploma from Howard High School he enrolled at Hampton Institute (Now University), in Hampton, Virginia. There he completed trade training in cabinetmaking and the furniture trades, where he received certificate and diploma. Joe later received the Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education. While at Hampton, Joe met and married his jewel, Vivian. He was the epitome of a gentleman and it was this attribute that attracted his bride. Joe entered the United States Army and served as a general mechanic which included six months in France. After the war ended, he was honorably discharged and with his wife propelling him, Joe enrolled as a graduate student at Wayne University in Michigan. While pursuing his Masters of Education degree in Industrial and Vocational Education he also worked in industry at the Chrysler Corporation. He later pursued advance graduate courses in education at the University of Minnesota, leading towards his doctorate degree, with a specialization in administration and supervision of industrial and vocational programs. In 1956, Joe accepted a position with the United Nations International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland and had an illustrious career. Joe became a highly skilled expert in Industrial and vocational training programs. He participated in all aspects of the work of the branch, which included research, report writing, technical assistance, attending international conferences and undertaking travel missions to different countries. Joe eventually was elevated to head a unit responsible for the collection of training information, documentation,selection, placement and briefing of experts assigned to technical field projects around the world. Joe served as Chief Technical Advisor in assisting the Governments of Kenya, Africa and Suriname in South America with the development of a training program for youth and adults to acquire occupational skills. Joe spent 25 years overseas, with the majority of that time in Switzerland. He also conducted missions in India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Barbados, Tunisia, Trinidad as well as many other countries. Through his travels he formed friendships that lasted his lifetime. Joe served on the faculty of five Universities: Hampton Institute, University of Minnesota, Tennessee A & I University, Florida A & M University and Temple University. After retiring from the ILO, Joe returned to Wilmington and remained active in community activities. He was a life member of the American Vocational Association; the American Society of training and Development; the Phi Delta Kappa Education Fraternity; the Omicron Tau Theta Graduate Vocational Education Fraternity; the United Nations Association of the USA; the Association of Former International Civil Servants. He served on the Allocations Committee for the United Way, he served on the Board of Goodwill Industries, he was a public member of the State Board of Nursing, and he also served on the Wilmington Police Advisory Board. He was a member of the Wilmington Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association. After retirement, he returned to the Mid-town Brandywine Neighborhood and was a leading contributor to the Neighborhood Association. Joe was a life-long educator and student. He was a most intelligent man, worldly and with many global experiences that he willingly shared when engaged in conversation. For 25 years, he was a member of the Academy of Lifelong Learning at the University of Delaware (Now OSHER) and taught courses about the United Nations and Switzerland. As a student, he pursued many interests, but most enjoyed the writing classes where he was always the first to arrive and the first to sign-up to read a story. Over the years, Joe wrote more than 300 stories about his life experiences and leaves these documented treasures as a wonderful legacy for his family. Joe is now reunited with his dear wife, parents and siblings William Jr, Kathryn Hazeur, Elaine Butler and Calvin. Joe leaves to cherish his wonderful memory, his son Leonard, Loretta his devoted daughter-in-law and caregiver; four grandchildren, David (Tioni), Leonard, III, Bernard Walker, Jr (Blanca) and Danielle Simmonds (Michael,Sr.); six adorable and smart great grandchildren: Amaya Dove, Quincy Austin, Michael Charles, London Louise, Bernard III and Leslie. A special thanks to the Compassionate Care Hospice staff for their personal touch and care and to all who extended any expression of kindness. Services and interment will take place in the Serenity Garden at Gracelawn Memorial Park during private graveside services.