Noted Educator, Diane M. Young, Ph.D, 64

WILMINGTON - Diane M. (Scatasti) Young, Ph.d., passed away Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. She was 64. Dr. Young had a calling to teach, and although she had no children of her own, she helped to educate and care for thousands of children during her tenure as principal of the Brandywood Elementary School, a post she held for an incredible 19 years. She knew each child by their first name and loved being surrounded by her students and educators. She was the youngest person ever to be appointed principal of the Brandywood School. Prior to becoming principal of Brandywood, Diane was the Director of the Delaware Reading Center. She was passionate in her advocacy of children and had dreams of changing the world by helping one child at a time. She was a remarkable woman who emerged from her humble roots to become one of the most respected educators in the State, winning many awards and citations for her professional excellence, including the Presidential award for National Principal of the Year presented to her by former president, George H. W. Bush. She also served as President of the Delaware Elementary Principals Association for a number of years. Diane and Chuck and Dude currently reside in Bethany Beach, where they retired several years ago. She is preceded in death by her brother, Dominick "Donnie" Scatasti; her mother, Alice (Mancini); and her father, Anthony "Scatty' Scatasti. She is survived by her husband of 26 ½ yrs, Charles "Chuck" Young; their beloved cat, "Dude"; and her two sisters and their husbands, Maria and Rob Clausen, of Townsend, and Theresa and Dennis Dolan, of Middletown. Service in celebration of Diane's Life will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009 at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702, where friends may visit with the family beginning at 1 p.m. There will also be a memorial service on Friday at 2 p.m. at Mariners Bethel Church, Ocean View, DE. Burial will be private. Donations to Forgotten Cats, Inc. PMB 422, 4001 Kennett Pike, Suite 134, Greenville, DE 19807; and/or to the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 would be gratefully accepted in her memory. For directions and to express an online condolence please visit www.strano-feeley.com.