Theodore F. Young, Jr., age 82, of Greenville, PA passed away Monday April 8, 2019 in Bradenton, FL.
Ted was born in New Kensington, PA on March 1, 1937 to parents Theodore Young, Sr. and Agnes Young.
He graduated from New Kensington High School in 1955 and Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Music Education in 1960. Ted earned Masters Degrees in Guidance Counseling and Music Therapy from Westminster College and Duquesne University respectively.
Ted began his 33 year teaching career in Sharon, PA in 1960, moving to the Greenville Area School District in 1966. Throughout his career, Ted worked with thousands of students, teaching music and assembling and directing various performance groups. Ted was loved by his students and respected by his peers. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his students and the quality of their performances.
In addition to his career in education, Ted was very active throughout his lifetime playing music. He made an album, “The Moderns Go To College”, appeared on television as a guest pianist for The Mike Douglas Show, accompanied The Four Freshman for a performance in Greenville, and led numerous bands performing in Western Pennsylvania and Central Florida.
Outside of music, Ted most enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather who had the ability to make everyone feel important and special. Ted had many friends, both in Pennsylvania and Florida, where he and his wife Judy spent winters for 15 years.
Ted is survived by his wife Judy, his sons Ted (Sheila) Young and Tim (Meegan) Young, stepsons Chris (Tina) Brown and Matt (Lisa) Brown, brother Ron (Dianne)Young, brother-in-law Warren (Nancy) Keck, and grandchildren Madison Brown, Shawn Young, Tyler Brown, Sarah Young, Jacob Brown, Julia Young, and Emma Brown.
He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Diane.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, June 8, 2019 in First United Methodist Church, Greenville, with Rev. Julia Fraser, Chaplain of St. Paul's Continuing Care Community, officiating. Family and friends may call on Friday 6-7-19 from 4:00-7:00 PM in Loutzenhiser-Jordan FunerHome and Cremation Services, Inc. 366-368 S. Main St. Greenville. Inurnment will be private in Shenango Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Strayhaven al Animal Shelter 94 Donation Rd., Greenville, PA 16125 or Save the Music Foundation at www.savethemusic.org.
I was not a student of his but my wife introduced me to him. As I stood in his office looking at all the pictures on his walls, he was able to name every single student in those pictures. The breadth and range of opportunities he offered his students was truly incredible. As I learned more about his programs and the influence he had on his students, I could not help but be inspired, As I continue my teaching career, I tried to keep his example in the forefront of my teaching. I can tell you for certain that his influence on one student, my wife, was profound. I met her while working on my Master’s. She became deeply involved in my musical endeavors because she had learned to love music from her time with Ted. His contribution to music and student ‘s love of musical is remarkable. He was so dedicated and loved his “kids’. He will always be remembered as a man who was larger than life and a true example of excellence in education. God Bless him. Our deepest condolences to his family and former students.
I was not in the GHS Choir but when I auditioned for the Wizard of Oz and sang the firs thing Mr. young said to me was “Why aren’t you in my choir?” It was a well meant complement and I have never forgotten. He worked very hard with all of us who had solos and singing parts to make the production a big success. In years following GHS before my family moved back to NC I would make certain when I visited the school that I took time to see him and Mrs. Louden. I look forward to seeing then and so many others who have helped to shape my life in Heaven. I pray that God will richly bless his family during this difficult time. GHS Class of 72
Dear Judy, Warren and family members,
I was at Allegheny College at the same time as you and I only knew you slightly. However, my husband and I have lived and worked in this area 50 years plus. He was a teacher at Commodore Perry and I was both a CP teacher and substitute for many years. I knew Ted during the late 70’s and 80’s when I was a frequent substitute at Greenville HS. Ted was impressive and loved in so many ways by so many people that it’s hard to be specific. My husband and I send your our heartfelt sympathy – you must have so many wonderful memories with which to celebrate his life. It was some time ago, Judy, that I learned you were his second wife – I thought it was wonderful and I’m sure it has been. Wishing you all good things moving forward, C. Annette (Gilliland) Chapin.