Herb Young ’50, a stalwart Rider supporter, dies at 90

Herbert R. Young ’50, who left an indelible mark on Rider University by enthusiastically supporting his alma mater for nearly 70 years, died on Aug. 17, 2019. He was 90.

“Herb’s commitment to Rider was simply second to none,” says Vice President for University Advancement Karin Klim. “Through his generosity, active participation and personal connections, he created a legacy at Rider that has few parallels. He will be greatly missed.”

Young was born in Lowville, N.Y., the son of Herbert and Clara Ross Young. He graduated from Rider with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a major in business administration in 1950. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and was a successful businessman in the hospitality industry, owning and operating several motels.

By the early 1950s, Young was already volunteering with Rider. He helped to raise funds that contributed to the construction of Alumni Gym, which hosted its first game in 1958. He would remain deeply connected with Rider, especially its Athletics program, throughout the rest of his life.

In 2007, the Rider varsity softball field was named after Herb and his wife, Joan Young, in honor of their generous contribution to the renovations of the field as well as their outstanding loyalty to Rider Athletics. In 2014, the Herb R. Young '50 Award was inaugurated. The award is presented to those who have displayed a loyal dedication to Rider Athletics over their lifetime. The most recent recipients of this prestigious award are Wayne ‘72 and Jill ‘72 Canastra, who received it in June. Young also served on the Rider Athletics Hall of Fame Committee and was a long-time men's and women's basketball season ticket holder and annual support of several booster clubs.

“Herb was a true gentleman, a good friend and a proud Rider alumnus,” says Director of Rider Athletics Don Harnum. “He wanted to win, but he always had the right perspective and thoroughly enjoyed the relationships with the coaches, administrators and student-athletes.”

Young founded the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity scholarship endowment and was a longtime member, as well as past president, of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He was involved with many other committees dedicated to advancing the University's mission, most notably those that were instrumental in creating or renovating the Student Recreation Center and Van Cleve Alumni House.

In 1985, Young received the Gordon E. Prichard Award for Volunteer Service, an annual award the University bestows on an alumnus for distinguished and exceptional volunteer service to Rider. More recently, his philanthropic gift made possible the construction of the Founders and Presidents Gallery in Moore Library, which displays and pays tributes to the institution’s leaders from its founding through the present.

Young was also active in community activities, serving as president of the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rotary Club and the Yardley Community Centre. He was a member of the Yardleyville Protective Company for the Apprehension of Horse Thieves and Other Villains and the Morrisville Presbyterian Church.

Young is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan (Hatcliff) Young; his son, Robert A. Young of Morrisville; daughter and son-in-law, Linda A. and Bill Moculak of Lower Makefield, Pa.; two grandchildren, Matthew (Jamie) Moculak  and Marie Moculak, all of Lower Makefield, Pa.; and three great-grandchildren, Madison, Will and Sam. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Moculak.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home, 17 S. Delaware Ave. (River Road), Yardley, Pa., where his funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, Aug. 23. Burial will follow at Newtown Cemetery in Newtown, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the Young family has asked that memorial contributions be made to Rider. Checks should be made payable to Rider University with Herb Young Memorial in the memo line.