Samuel John Young's Obituary
Samuel J. Young was born into a family of Irish immigrants in 1929 in Irish Harlem in Manhattan. He contracted spinal meningitis as a toddler and was later diagnosed deaf from the sickness. Sam had an older sister, Mary Caracciolo, and younger brother, Tom Young. Their mother died unexpectedly at the age of 33 from blood poisoning, leading his father to send them back to Ireland to be cared for by their aunt and uncle. The siblings returned back to New York 3 years later and were sent to orphanages since their new stepmother did not want to care for them. All three children made it on their own. Sam attended St. Josephs school for the deaf, and his father died when he was 17 years old.
Sam grew up a lover of baseball—especially the New York Yankees. He would often laugh at his walk-on tryouts for the Yankees where he struck out ten times. In his boy hood, he was honored to meet Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.
Sam had difficulty finding work as a deaf man. He traveled often and eventually met his wonderful wife, Dorothy, in Houma Louisiana. They were married in 1953 and had three children - Mary, Sam and Tim.
Sam was among many deaf who worked as linotype operator in the 1960s. Since these machines were so loud, the deaf were able to tolerate the noise over hearing individuals. This was a good paying profession.
In the late 1970s and early 80s Sam received gospel tracts from his other deaf co-workers. The Lord was preparing his heart. In the mid 1980s he and his wife went to a service to see deaf evangelist Reggie Rempel. Both Sam and Dorothy trusted in Christ during this time. Sam was overjoyed that both his brother Tom and sister Mary both trusted Christ as Savior around this same time as well. Sam and Dorothy faithfully attended deaf services at Independent Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Alexandria. Most recently, Sam attended Calvary Baptist Church with his son Sammy.
Sam is remembered for displaying friendliness and love to all he met. He truly knew how to make others feel special. He had a great sense of humor, which was one of his favorite ways to communicate with others. He had his own way to ensure the hearing could understand his signs. He loved it when people would go out of their way to sign to him -- or try to sign to him.
Sam leaves he and Dorothy’s three children, Mary (Gary) James, Samual Young Jr., and Tim (Brenda) Young, as well as his 9 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
Sam Young loved displaying his love for Christ. He boldly displayed his faith with hats and clothing that said he loved Jesus. He loved to show his love for his Savior. All the family knew this love for Christ was evident. He had a story-book life, and not one of us would be surprised if the first words he may have ever heard since becoming deaf were “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 for visitation from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m.; service to begin at 1:00 p.m. at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, 38576 Brett Way, Mechanicsville, MD. Interment to follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 3221 Mattawoman Beantown Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601.
What’s your fondest memory of Samuel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Samuel?
Share a story where Samuel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Samuel you’ll never forget.
How did Samuel make you smile?
