Albert “Al” Lee Young, age 83, of Cary, IL, passed away on September 18, 2025. He was born January 30, 1942 in Chicago, IL to his loving parents, Earl and Stella (née Freeman) Young.

Al attended Delano Grammar School, Marshall High School, and University of Illinois in Chicago.

Al proudly served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966, with service in Korea. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Sharpshooter Rifle award, and received a Certificate of Achievement for performance during audit. His patriotism remained a central part of his life.

Following his military service, Al built a long and varied career that included administrative roles with the Village of Cary, banking positions with Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago, Melrose Park National Bank, and Glenview State Bank, as well as serving as a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office. His very first job, one he fondly remembered, was delivering newspapers.

In 1967, Al married his high school sweetheart, Linda, beginning a 58-year marriage rooted in love, devotion, and partnership. Together they raised two daughters, and built a life filled with family traditions, community involvement, and countless adventures.

Al was deeply committed to service. A proud member of the American Legion for 47 years, he held leadership positions at every level, including Commander of Post 276 in Cary, County Commander, 11th District Commander, 2nd Division Commander, and Vice Commander of the Department of Illinois. For nearly three decades, he organized and emceed the Cary Memorial Day Parade and Service, honoring veterans and strengthening his community. He was also a founding member of the Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County.

His dedication extended far beyond the Legion. Al served as a Director for the United Way of McHenry County, where he received the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award, was a Master Mason of Cary-Grove Lodge #1157, contributed to the McHenry County Emergency Services Disaster Council (now known as the EMA), and served as Executive Officer of Boy Scout Troop 160 in Cary. He was also proud to have achieved the rank of Life Scout in his youth.

Al’s life was full of interests and passions. He loved traveling the country with his family, especially to national parks and historic sites. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and target shooting. Known for always wearing suspenders and for his quick wit, Al was happiest in the simple moments—sitting on his back porch with a steak dinner, a glass of Canadian Club whiskey, and a Punch Double Corona cigar as the sun set over Cary.

Above all, Al will be remembered for his devotion to family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Young; daughters, Nancy (Soya) Tayui and Diana Young; grandchildren, Sarina Tayui and Sean Tayui; brother, Eugene Young; sister, Delores (Rudy) Wrublick; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Stella Young; and brothers, Edward (Elnora) Young and Freeman (Eleanor) Young.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11:00am until service with military honors at 1:30pm, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Road, Cary, IL 60013.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Al’s name to AMVETS Post 245 (P.O. Box 741, Cary, IL 60013), Boy Scout Troop 160 (c/o Cary United Methodist Church, 500 First Street, Cary, IL 60013), or the American Legion “Gifts to the Yanks Who Gave” Program (American Legion Department of Illinois, 2720 E. Lincoln Street, Bloomington, IL 61704 (please indicate “Gifts to the Yanks” in the memo line)).

Final arrangements entrusted to Kahle-Moore Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-639-3817.