DELMAR – Robert L. Youngs, 91, of Delmar, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2015. Bob was born on November 18, 1923 in Newark, NJ, the son of the late Granville and Eugenie Youngs. He was a proud marine, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II, including in the first wave of Iwo Jima and the Battles of Saipan and Tinian. He was awarded several purple hearts for his bravery – Semper Fi. Bob was a designer for Bell Laboratories for 40 years in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He obtained several patents for his work involved with the Telstar satellites.
Bob was predeceased by his wife Ellen M. Youngs, and his daughter Christine Youngs. He is survived by his son Bill Youngs (Margaret) of Delmar; granddaughters Kelly (Brian) Bauer, Andrea (Andrew) Neviackas, and Colleen Youngs; great grandson Dylan Bauer; also son Brian M. (Evelyn) Youngs of Virginia; and grandsons Jeffrey and Todd Youngs.
A memorial service will be held in Bally, PA, at a later date. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Patriot Flight, Inc., PO Box 190, Delmar, NY 12054. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Don Miller
I’m very sorry to hear of Mr. Youngs passing. I was privileged to meet him a few times in the past few years, and was honored to drive him to one of the D Day anniversary get togethers a couple of years ago. I’ll never forget his stories, he is quite the Patriot, and had us all cracking up. He put a funny slant to being wounded so many times. His poor mother! He said she kept getting notices that he had been wounded again, and there was another purple heart coming, but all the while, not knowing how he was.He was still fighting! For myself, and as a representative of the Patriot Guard Riders, I extend condolences to his family and friends. We have lost a true Hero and Patriot. May God bless.
Frank DeSorbo
I am deeply saddened by Bob’s passing and offer my sorrow to his family. The memories Bob gave me in a few short years are forever part of my life. I miss him and will never forget him.
Ken Boynton
Where do I begin? When Bill called to let me know his Dad had died, so many fond memories of adventures with Bob and Bill came to my mind. Bob was a man’s man..tough as nails, never would complain as we dragged him around Boston. Of course, our adventures centered around our beloved Boston Red Sox, and the cathedral to Baseball known as Fenway Park. I will pick out just one story to share today.
Apologies to Bill for details that have become lost over the many laughs we had in Boston with the Sox
Bob, Bill, and I arrived at the Boston Beer Works, across from Fenway, about two hours before game time. As always in those days, there was a large crowd of patrons waiting patiently in line to get in. Guarding the line was a formidable employee of the Beerworks, about 6’4″ and 250lbs. He was checking ID’s, and letting patrons in as enough patrons exited. No one dared question his decision on who entered, and who remained outside on the hot pavement.
Well, it looked like Bob, Bill, and I were in for a long wait that particular day. As we settled in for the duration, we developed our own “thousand yard stare”. Nothinglike Bob and his buddies on Iwo Jima, of course, but our own version of the wait sucks be we don’t give a damn..we will be there until we succeed.
Something about the cut of Bob’s jib must have intrigued the guardian of the gate, as he came over and struck up a conversation with us, centering on Bob. It turns out that he and Bob were both United States Marines! Well, on top of that when he foundout Bob was a first wave Iwo veteran, it was like saying the magic words and we were treated like Kinga at The Beer Works! We were given immediate entrance and seated at a preferred table. Beers, on the house, were brought forth forBob from other Marines accompanied by hearty cheers of “Semper Fi”! We basked in the glorious tribute Bob was deservedly garnering from all who heard what was going on. What a very special day!
One more little side bar to this delightful memory, with apologies to my good friend Bill. When we were seated at the Beer Works, the waiter came over to take our order. He asked what Bob would like, what I, whom the waiter thought was Bob’s son would like, and what Bill, whom the waiter thought was Bob’s brother(!!)would like!! We all laughed…
Bob, I miss you more every time I think of all of our adventures. I know you are back with Ellen and Christine. One day we shall all share a cup of cheer again. May God bless you, and keep you close..