Thomas “Tom” Young passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024, at the age of 74. Born in Philipsburg, Penn., Tom was the son of the late Donald and Annette Young. He grew up in West Springfield, Mass., and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1968. He attended Stonehill College before joining the United States Coast Guard in 1970 and served in Vietnam.
Following his honorable discharge from the USCG, Tom attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and graduated from the University of Massachusetts. His career in agriculture retail and distribution included 14 years as the manager of the Brattleboro Agway in Brattleboro, Vt. Tom then moved to Great Barrington and served as a buyer for Agway and then a sales rep for Co-operative Feed Dealers.
Tom enjoyed life and loved sharing this enjoyment with all he knew. Landscaping, gardening, farms, bird feeding, travel, history, politics, old-time country music, trivia, and rides in his Jeep Wrangler were just some of his hobbies and interests. Besides his family, Tom’s greatest gift and joy was being a friend of Bill Wilson, and he shared this gift freely and openly with so many for over 49 years. He was a champion of giving back and getting out of yourself when facing seemingly challenging situations.
Tom is survived by his wife Marianne (Roche); his children, Katy, Michael (Allie), Sarah, and Connor (Katherine); and seven grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his brother James and in-laws Tommy and Claire. Tom leaves his siblings, Donald (Cynthia) Young, Maribeth (Stephen) Wood, and Robert (Sarah)Young; in-laws Barbara, Cathy, Janet, and Frank; many nieces and nephews; and a treasure trove of friends.
A Funeral Mass for Thomas Harold Young will be held on Friday, October 25, at 10 a.m., with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Church in Housatonic, with Reverend William P. Murphy Pastor officiating. Calling hours will be held on Thursday October 24, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Birches-Roy Funeral Home, 33 South Street, Great Barrington, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of the funeral home or that you simply do something kind for someone else. Condolences may be made through the funeral home’s website.
