Robert Young Jr. of East Hampton “had a big heart and always found ways to help others, even when he had little to give,” his family said. “Whether it was his time, his laughter, or his kindness, Robert made sure those around him felt loved and included.”
Mr. Young, who was 35, died on Jan. 6 at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead. He had been on life support after experiencing cardiac arrest. “As an organ donor, Robert’s final wish was to help others, even in his passing,” his family said.
Born in Southampton on June 12, 1990, to Robert Young Sr. and the former Theresa Field, he grew up in East Hampton and graduated from high school here, working in the summer as a traffic control officer for the town when he was 14. He had various jobs as an adult, most recently at Walmart in Riverhead.
“His tall, lanky frame and big feet were matched by his goofy personality, which brought smiles and comfort to everyone he met,” his family said. “He was a devoted father to his 5-year-old daughter,” Alanna, “whom he adored above all else.”
“Robert wasn’t perfect, but he was always striving to be better, working towards his goals, and embracing every opportunity to grow.”
His family has set up a GoFundMe page at bit.ly/458VhDC to help with funeral expenses and to assist his daughter.
In addition to his daughter, who lives in North Carolina, he is survived by his mother, who lives in Patchogue, his father, who lives in Riverhead, and three siblings, Samantha Rodriguez, Russell Young, and Tyler Young, all of East Hampton. He leaves three grandparents, Anne and Russell Field and Dorothy Sheehan, and an aunt, Michele Cadger.
A wake will be held on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton, with a funeral on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. A gathering will follow from noon to 4 p.m. at the East Hampton Firehouse.
