Charles (Charlie) J. Young , 71, of Ashburn, Virginia passed away on March 1, 2022, with his family at his side after a long and incredibly brave battle with cancer.

Born on September 16, 1950 in Buffalo, NY to his parents Wilfred L.Young and Francis L. Steele of Niagara Falls, NY, who preceded him in death.  Charlie graduated from Niagara Wheatfield Senior High School in Sanborn, NY and Buffalo State College in Buffalo, NY.

Charlie is survived by his wife Christine (Cookie) F. Young, and their children Timothy Young and his wife Jessica L. Young, Gail L. Filicetti and her husband Pete L. Filicetti II, and Steven W. Young, his grandchildren Felicia M. Filicetti 26, Peter C. Filicetti (22), Zackary J. Young (16), Riley S. Castillo (11), Audrey E. Young (9), Brooklyn A. Young (5),  and Mackenzie G.Young (3), his sisters Patricia Hurd, Chris Grawe,  Judy Godwin, and Janet Neuman and his brothers Kenneth Young and Michael Young, and was predeceased by his beloved sister Rachael Walter. He had a loving impact on numerous nieces and nephews.

Charlie served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for his community at First Vol. Fire Co. of Bergholz in Wheatfield, NY.  He retired from the United States Air Force Reserves in Niagara Falls, NY in 2012. He was a well respected Lieutenant Colonel who deployed several times in various parts of the world. He worked for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY until 2003 when he transferred to The National Targeting Center in Herndon, VA. There he proved his ability to lead in other capacities and quickly climbed the ranks until retiring as the Assistant Director of Operations, NTC-Cargo. He loved his country, his community and his work.  He valued each of the friendships along the way.

Charlie's greatest joys in life were spending time with family and friends.  He enjoyed photography,  telling stories and jokes, a good bonfire, traveling, kayaking, flowers, birds, and nature.  He enjoyed spending time on his Harley riding with his wife and with The Blue Knights.  He loved taking long walks with his family and friends. He had a spiritual journey through Eckankar that brought him peace in his final moments.

Services will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2022 with visitation from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm with a service from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Burial will be at Arlington National cemetery at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Wounded Warriors Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=10043