Dr. Robert "Bob" William Young

Robert “Bob” William Young lived a life as big, bright, and bold as his smile — one filled with family, love, laughter, hard work, adventure, and purpose. He had the rare gift of making everyone feel at home, of telling stories that left you laughing until you cried, and of facing every challenge, including his last, with courage and grace.

Early Life-

Born in Springdale, Pennsylvania on October 12, 1948, to William Henry and Dorothy (Chlodney) Young, Bob grew up with grit and drive. Long before most kids were old enough for jobs, he had a paper route usually reserved for teenagers, saving every penny — pennies that later became a family treasure when he built a custom penny bar top at their lake house. At Springdale High, he excelled on the football field and made lifelong friends, some dating back to kindergarten, whose friendship endured throughout his life.

Education and Career-

Bob earned both his undergraduate degree and his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh and the School of Dental Medicine. He went on to become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon known for his expertise and compassion. He was a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, a Fellow in Anesthesiology of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, and a member of the American Dental Association. Beyond titles, it was his warmth and care that defined him as a surgeon. For almost three decades, he treated tens of thousands of patients and left them all feeling valued and safe, a legacy few can claim.

A Life of Love and Adventure-

While his career was impressive, Bob’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family. He met his beloved wife, Patricia “Patty,” a fellow Pitt student, while both were visiting at Cedar Point one college summer. Bob was fully embraced and loved by Patty’s large Italian family. They were married at Heinz Chapel on August 8, 1970, the start of 55 years of love, hard work, commitment and laughter. Together they raised three children and welcomed six grandchildren who adored their “Papa.” They traveled the globe throughout their marriage, returning with tales of adventure and treasures from the countries they visited. Family, extended family, and friends were often included in the travel adventures and get-togethers. Beach vacations, ski trips, and long dinners were trademarks; so were impromptu kitchen polkas, Bob’s serenades and his famous early-morning biscuits and gravy. Even when his health began to wane, Bob and Patty kept exploring, traveling across Africa and South America. His passion for adventure and travel is a gift he has passed on to his entire family.

Passions and Personality-

Bob was passionate about Steelers football, cooking, golfing, music, storytelling, gardening, and people. He could light up a room with a song or a story and was generous to a fault. He didn’t suffer fools or BS, and he’d appreciate that we said so. Throughout his life and especially during the final, hardest year, Bob tackled the battle God placed before him with courage, humor, and an unwavering zest for life. He fought the good fight right up until the end, finishing the race, at last peaceful and at rest.

Family and Legacy-

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Ann (Malacarne); his loving children, Melanie (Young) Harris (Eric Keltner), Robert Young, Jr. (Bridget Young), and Meghan Young; his six cherished grandchildren (Hunter, Nicholas, Eleanor “Ellie,” Robert III “Trace,” Margot, and Michael). He is also survived by his great-uncle Dutch, who never missed a single one of Bob’s high-school football games; his dear sister- and brother-in-law, Linda and David Abati; as well as siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives he enriched.

Celebration of Life-

In keeping with his spirit, Bob’s family will celebrate his life this Spring, his favorite season. Friends and loved ones will gather among his gardens, play bocce on the court he built, enjoy his favorite foods, and listen to the music he loved. His presence will be felt in every laugh, story, and shared memory. Bob lived big, loved deeply, and gave generously. His legacy will bloom forever in the hearts of all who knew him.

It was Bob‘s wish that any memorial tribute be made in the form of a charitable donation to Tunnel to Towers.