John “Craig” Young, of Newark, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, after spending his final hours with family. He was born in Newark, Ohio on April 12, 1948, to the late John W. and Margaret “Peggy” (Horchler) Young.

After attending Ohio State University, Craig graduated from Bliss College in 1971. Encouraged by his father to “settle down, grow up, and get involved in the community,” he founded Young Systems. As Vice President, Craig oversaw more than 48 commercial projects across Central Ohio, including the award-winning Dave Smith Ford dealership in Etna. In 1994, he founded a fire, water, mold, and biohazard restoration company, First Response Fire and Water, Inc, serving thousands of Central Ohio families until retiring in 2017. After 9/11, Craig along with Alan Mooney, Glen Cummings and others, founded the think tank, CEO Brain Trust, a diverse group of individuals who became dear friends.

Much of Craig's life over the years has been dedicated to civic leadership and community service. He was a 50-year member of the Newark Area Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Newark Jaycees, Newark Rotary Club, Campaign chair for Licking County Heart Assn, recognized in 1979 as Outstanding Young Man of Licking County, instrumental in starting Licking County Crime Stoppers along with many other accomplishments. As a longtime member of both service organizations, Newark Elks and AmVets Post 51, he enjoyed many conversations, beers and much friendship. He proudly served for 16 years on Newark City Council as both Council-at-Large and Council President but one of his proudest moments and accomplishments was bringing the Babe Ruth World Series Friendship Series to Newark, OH in 1978. With the many accomplishments and activities over the years, needless to say, his father was very proud of the man he became! They have already had a few drinks and many hugs while catching up!

He will be deeply missed by his siblings, Jim (Cindy) Young and Tracy (Don) Ellington; niece, Ashley (Jim) Winters and their daughter, Aubrey Winters; nephews, John "Jed” (Tori) Ellington and their sons, Cole and Lewis; Seth Ellington; James “Chris" (Cullen Malley) Ellington; cousins Idelle Sagan, Denny Young, Jerry Sterner, Richard Horchler, Tommy Horchler, John Horchler, Sandy Horchler, Barb Wells, Peggy Drake, Special friends Jerry Nethers, Pat Guanciale, Diane Young, Brittany Egan, Gidget, and the many old and new friends he’s met along the way!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by very dear family members and close friends, Mike Plankenhorn and Joe Dooley.

Funeral services will be held at Brucker & Kishler Funeral & Cremation, 985 N. 21st St. Newark, Ohio 43055 on May 23, 2026, with calling hours from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. A special service, crafted by Craig himself, begins at 12:15 p.m.

Despite later health challenges, Craig never lost his love for his family, friends, Newark -the city he proudly called home- and summers at Buckeye Lake. Weather permitting please join the family at Buckeye Lake to share stories, swig a bottle or two of Bud Light in a bottle (so YOUR mustache doesn’t get wet!) and enjoy the sights and sounds of a sunny lake day in memory of Craig. Details of an informal procession will be available at the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Craig’s name may be made to the Licking Memorial Health Foundation through the Licking Memorial Health Systems, LMHealth.org website or by mail to: Licking Memorial Health Foundation, 1320 West Main Street, Newark, Ohio 43055.