Philip Young

Philip J. Young, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away on December 20, 2025, at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 84.

Philip was born on June 22, 1941, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Jack Elijah Young and Lois Stebbins Young. He spent his youth fishing and hiking in the Pecos National Forest, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors—especially fly fishing.

Philip attended Auburn University, where he earned a PhD in Physics. During his college years, he met and married Betty Reagan Young. Together they gave birth to two children, Lynn and Conrad, while living in Huntsville, AL. Philip began his professional career at Brown Engineering in Huntsville before the family relocated to Bethel, Connecticut where the children were raised. There, he worked for many years at PerkinElmer as an engineer specializing in space optics. He later continued his distinguished career with Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon Corporation.

One of Philip’s proudest professional achievements was his work on the Hubble Space Telescope, which launched in April of 1990 and remains in service today. His contributions to science reflected both his brilliance and his passion for physics, particularly nuclear physics. Philip and Betty separated in the mid 1990s, after which Philip moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Philip held a deep affection for New Mexico, drawn to its diverse landscapes, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities. He was especially fascinated by the region’s pivotal role in the history of nuclear physics centered around Los Alamos and Santa Fe. A cherished photograph in his room—featuring Albert Einstein, Robert Oppenheimer, and other renowned scientists—represented his heroes. Philip himself was a brilliant scientist and a lifelong student of nuclear physics.

Following his retirement, Philip devoted much of his time to fly fishing around the world. His travels took him to Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, Chile, British Columbia, and Alaska, as well as the legendary trout rivers of Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and New Mexico. He was an accomplished and passionate fly fisherman.

When not traveling, Philip treasured his time with Linda Roberts, his loving partner of 12 years, at the Fairwinds Rio Rancho retirement community. He was well loved by many friends there and will be deeply missed.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Lois Young; his wife of 33 years, Betty Reagan Young; and his brother, Conrad C Young. He is survived by his son, Conrad T Young (Amy); his daughter, Lynn Priest (William); two grandsons, Craig Priest (Nicole) and Ryne Priest (Elora); and three great-grandchildren, William Priest, Charlie Priest, and Kiely Green.

Philip will be cremated at Daniels Family Funeral Services in Rio Rancho. His family plans to scatter his ashes in the Pecos National Forest and the Pecos River in the summer of 2026. Some of his ashes may even find their way to the National Museum of Nuclear Science in Albuquerque and the Oppenheimer Museum in Los Alamos—places he deeply respected and admired. He would be proud to know his presence will forever remain on such hallowed ground.

Rest in peace, Philip. You will be missed.