William Young, Camden Fire Department captain

William B. Young, 74, of Westville, who retired in 1992 as a captain with the Camden Fire Department after a 30-year career, died of hypertensive vascular disease on Thursday, Nov. 21, at his home.

Born in Reading, Mr. Young graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden and served in the Navy from 1957 to 1961, where he was taught aircraft and shipboard firefighting.

"They teach them a certain amount of firefighting in the Navy, and he fell in love with it," brother David said.

As a shipboard firefighter, his brother said, Mr. Young spent part of his tour of duty in Italy.

Mr. Young joined the Camden Fire Department in 1962 and was promoted to captain in 1968.

"He was in charge of one engine company. When he was here, we had eight," Camden Fire Chief Mike Harper said. "He was always a funny guy, always energetic."

After retiring, Mr. Young worked as a waiter at the former Latin Casino and Rickshaw Inn, both in Cherry Hill.

He was a member of the Independent Citizens Athletic Club in Gloucester City.

Besides his brother, Mr. Young is survived by a sister.

A visitation was set from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the McCann-Healey Funeral Home, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, before a funeral service with military honors there at 10:30 a.m. Burial is to be private.

Donations may be made to the International Firefighters Union Local 788 for Toys for Tots, Box 1071, Bellmawr, N.J., 08099-1071.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccannhealey.com.