Wayne R. Younge

White River Junction, VT — Wayne R. Younge, 75, formerly of Avon and Batavia, NY, died Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Wayne was born January 13, 1951, in Rochester, New York. He graduated from Webster High School in 1969 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo in 1974. He began his career as a physical therapist at St. John’s Home in Rochester before co-founding Summit Physical Therapy in Batavia, NY, where he spent many years caring for his patients and community.

For some thirty years, Wayne made his home in Avon, NY, where he raised his family and lovingly restored an old Colonial Revival house. He later moved to Batavia, and in 2024 he settled in White River Junction, VT, to be near family in his final years.

Wayne loved the outdoors — walking in the woods, hiking, and gathering around a good campfire with family and friends. A devoted history buff, he traveled the world to see the places he’d read about, and he could tell you the story behind almost any of them. He was also an accomplished basketball, football, and softball player, active in Avon community sports for many years.

Wayne will be remembered by family and friends for his deeply dry — some might say warped — sense of humor. A consummate host, he always knew how to show everyone a good time.

Wayne is survived by his three children, Andrew Younge (Kate Lacey-Younge) of Santa Fe, NM, Bethany Younge (Pablo Chin) of White River Junction, VT, and Beth Keller (Tom Palumbo) of Rochester, NY; the children’s mother, Mary Younge; three grandchildren, Solaris, Dylan, and Elizabeth; his sister, Gail Gilman; his nephew, Duke Gilman; and his nieces, Rebecca Ypma, Rachel Silve, Katie Gilman, and Jessica Swanson. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Doris (Lilly) Younge.

A private celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at a later date. The Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.