Albert Lester Young, 79, of Lyndonville, VT, passed peacefully on Sunday, December 21, in St. Johnsbury, VT.

Albert's life began on July 11, 1946, on the family dairy farm in Brownington, VT, to the late Wilfred Sr. and Eva (St. Pierre) Young. He was the sixth of twelve children. Growing up on the farm, Albert learned teamwork, the value of family, and the importance of hard work—lessons that shaped his strong work ethic and pride in a good day's labor.

Albert attended boot camp with the United States Navy between his junior and senior years of high school. After graduating from Orleans High School, he pursued carpentry until receiving Navy school orders. Early in his career, he helped build the tram house that sits atop Jay Peak Mountain. When called to service, Albert put his carpentry career on hold and served four years in the United States Navy as an aviation jet mechanic, stationed in Lakehurst, NJ.

After being honorably discharged in June of 1971, Albert returned to carpentry. He spent many years building the forms for bridges that still stand throughout Vermont today. Sunday drives often included stops to admire these bridges, as Albert proudly shared the importance of taking pride in one's work. One of his favorite productivity tips was to "never move empty-handed—make every step count." When asked why he chose long, hard days in construction, he would quip without pause, "Well, it was cleaner than farming."

In his spare time, Albert enjoyed playing cards, reading Louis L'Amour novels, and watching Gunsmoke. He loved feeding birds and watching them from his window. One of his favorite pastimes was splitting and stacking wood, finding satisfaction in being prepared for winter and in the neat, tidy stacks he created. Albert was a longtime member of the Orleans American Legion.

In recent years, Albert's health declined, and his family is grateful that he is no longer struggling with a failing body. Until his final breath, he made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Many healthcare workers remarked on how much they enjoyed his company—some even became friends, visiting him even when they were not on duty.

Albert lived simply and embraced a philosophy he often shared: the easiest way to become rich is to want less. He had no interest in flashy possessions; what he valued most was the company of others.

Gift-giving was always a challenge—what do you give someone who wants nothing? Most items he received were eventually given back or passed along to someone else. He preferred the comfort of his trusted belongings. The only guaranteed gifts were time, molasses cookies, and coffee—all of which he shared freely.

Albert especially cherished time with his grandchildren. They all knew there was always a tub of cookies in his car, fair game for raiding. He would receive a quick hug, return it with gentle "Grandpa pats" on the child's back, and watch them disappear on their cookie quest.

Albert is survived by his children, Janel Morehouse and her husband Brett, and David Young and his wife Amanda Zay; his grandchildren, Tucker Morehouse, Brianna Rivera, Sage Morehouse, Madison, Noah, Caden, and Aleena Young; and his great-grandchildren, Everly, Eleanor, Waylon, and Esme Morehouse. He is also survived by his brothers John, Rick, Robert, and Leon Young; his sisters Marie Viens, Shirley Perry, and Sharon Faust; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Alfred, Don, Wilfred Jr., and Dorothy.

Friends may call from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Derby. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Orleans, with Father Greg Caldwell officiating. A gathering will follow at the adjacent rectory hall. Interment will be held in the spring at St. Theresa's Cemetery in Orleans, with full military honors.

Albert received exceptional care from his friends at Caledonia Home Health Care & Hospice (CHHC). In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to CHHC, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, or by phone at (802) 748-8116.

Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family-owned and operated.