Tom Young Obituary

Thomas John Young, 79, husband of Carla (Welsh) Young, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Bryn Mawr Hospital. Born in Altoona, he was the son of the late James Harper Young and Jean Ruth (Sandrus) Young. After earning his B.A. in philosophy from Harvard University, Tom went on to receive an M.A. in theology from Westminster Seminary, followed by an M.A. in philosophy from Villanova University, and ultimately, a Ph.D. in philosophy from Bryn Mawr College. In 1969, he joined Gwynedd-Mercy College as a professor of philosophy, later serving as academic dean beginning in 1989. Tom explored life's most profound questions and shared this intellectual journey with his family, friends and students. He was greatly influenced by Plato, as well as the existentialist thinkers John-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. Tom believed deeply in human equality and the immeasurable value of each person's unique experiences and life story. He developed an ethical philosophy centered on human solidarity and the shared responsibility to alleviate suffering. Tom was passionately engaged in political and social issues, applying his philosophical insights to the world around him. As an affiliated member of the Union of Concerned Scientists, he frequently lectured to civic and church groups on the political and ethical issues raised by the nuclear arms race and global environmental problems. In 1986, he ran for U.S. congress, using his campaign as a platform to share his message and advocate for meaningful change. Tom, a lifelong athlete, loved golf, tennis, ping-pong, skiing, football and basketball. While he cherished competition, he will be best remembered for his sportsmanship, integrity, and kindness-qualities that left a lasting impact on all who played alongside him. After retiring, Tom and his wife, Carla, moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where they shared many happy years together. Continuing his lifelong passions for sports and philosophy, Tom played golf or tennis nearly every day and authored a historical fiction novel set in ancient Greece in the time of Socrates. In his final years, Tom devoted himself to caring for his wife, Carla, as she faced the challenges of advanced dementia. Above all, Tom was a loving and generous husband, father, brother, and friend. His warmth, wisdom, and unwavering kindness will be profoundly missed. Tom truly lived a great life. He is survived by his wife, Carla; his son, Jesse Young, along with his wife Laura Ormsby; his daughter, Sienna Landoll, along with her husband Christopher Landoll; his siblings, Patric Young, Nancy Young, Andrew Young, and Cathy Young; and his grandchildren, Owen Landoll and Dylan Landoll. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Young. A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders (https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/) in Tom's name.