Obituary of John Charles Young
John Charles Young, age 78, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. Born June 25, 1947 and raised in his hometown of Fort Erie, Ontario, John lived a rich life in music, teaching, friendship and love.
John is survived by his loving partner, Diana Hughes, his son Dane (Jaclyn), his daughter, Erin, his cherished grandsons, Matthew and Henry Daly, his devoted sister, Nicole Young, and his niece Nicole Rosen (Josh) and their sons Ben and Jacob.
Additionally, he will be fondly remembered by Andrew (Kim), daughter Mia, Matthew (Katherine) and children Ty, Owen, Madison and Cameron. Michael (Tori), daughter Vanessa, Kathleen (Dylan), children Atlas and Tyla.
John was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Eleanor Young.
John attended Mather Public School and Fort Erie Secondary School before pursuing his life long passion in music. He attended the Guitar institution of Technology in Hollywood, California, where he graduated in the 1980’s as an advanced Guitar musician,a defining moment in his life.
After moving back to Fort Erie, he taught music lessons from 1982 to 2025 and was always proud of his students, often bragging about their talents and progression over the years. In those early years he formed a band, The Chelsea Hotel, with close friends the Johns brother’s, David and Tim, Louie D and Liz Dundas. Sharing their talents they performed at venues across Ontario creating lifelong memories .
Welcoming fatherhood, John’s career took a new path when he started working for The Fort Erie Times review. He grew this local newspaper into a trusted source of information for his community. He then set his sights higher and was hired by Rannie Publications where he was a manager of 5 community newspapers under the jurisdiction of the St. Catherines Standard.
When his passion for the printed page waned, he decided to take his business knowledge to a new level and became a teacher. Working for the BDC through Niagara college, he developed a family type atmosphere in office and was praised for his wisdom. Sharing his business experience with up and coming, new small business owners, he helped them to gain the confidence needed to pursue their own dreams and gave them the tools to start, sustain and manage their own business.
John then decided to share his knowledge and his voice in business by opening his public speaking career. Anyone who attended saw his enthusiasm and excitement for Sales and Marketing. His business, “IT’S THE EXPERIENCE STUPID!!!!! “ was always well received. He was hired out all over the world, from Ontario to Greece.
In John’s later years, he lived for his dogs, Max and Sophie (the kids, as he called them). They protected him and sat by his side with love in their eyes. He also loved his garden of unique flowers and vegetables, and would spend countless hours watering and caring for his beloved plants. He also gained a passion for cooking and loved to try new things. Anyone visiting the house was made a homemade meal with love. He was always ready with his pizza oven, grill, and smoker!!!
Some of his happiest moments were the times spent with his grandchildren, showing them how to use tools, fly kites, telling them jokes, and taking them on adventures. And Sunday morning coffee solving the world’s problems with his best friend David and pals Ernie and Marty.
John’s legacy lives on through his family, his music, and the many lives he touched throughout the years. He will be missed by all who knew him and the stories of his well lived life will be told by all who remember him.
Benner Funeral Services have been entrusted with arrangements.Visitation will be held at Benner Funeral Services Saturday January 17th, from 2-4 pm.
