Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Richard Alexander Young Jr, age 77, passed away on 3 Aug 2024 at 3:40am at the Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County in Troy, Ohio.

He was born on 24 February 1947 in Pago Pago, American Samoa to the late Richard Young Sr. and Pauline Bartley Young of Nu’uuli.

Richard was a phenomenal husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend.  He is most known for his hard work ethic, attention-to-detail, taking pride in everything he did, his caring heart for others and his love, loyalty and dedication to his family.

Richard married Pamela K. Munn on November 22, 1966 in Ohio and moved back to American Samoa in 1972.  In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his sons Richard (Sharman Weeks) Alexander Young III and Christopher (Diane) Scott Young, siblings Fred (Gayle) Young of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Louisa (Jayson) Borgen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kennan (Nyla) Young of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jeffrey (Kris) Young of Richmond, Virgina and Peter (Sandra) Young of Nu’uuli.

Seven grandchildren, Chelsea Young, Alyssa Young, Erik Weeks, Ronnie Young, Jessica Young, Jordan Young and Nicholas Weeks, ten great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Prange.

Richard, a graduate of Leilehua High School in Hawaii, worked various jobs in his life but is most known for being the General Manager of multiple propane gas companies in American Samoa for over 30 years.  He is credited for managing the only company terminal of all the Pacific Island terminals to be in positive cash-flow for multiple years – a true testament to his unwavering work ethic.

Richard loved the memory of his ‘65 candy apple red corvette.  Because he loved working in his yard and taking care of his many flowers with his mother, he was affectionately called Mr. Miyagi.  He would laugh hysterically, after having a few libations, at his own jokes and sing “do be do be do” after every song because he couldn’t sing much of anything else. He loved making other people laugh and he truly put everyone else first and foremost.

Per Richard’s wishes, his ashes will be scattered into the Pacific Ocean and a private family service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home and Crematory in West Liberty, Ohio.

Samoa News offers it sincere condolences to the Young Family for their loss. “Dickie” was a well-known figure in the community, even after his retirement. His love and commitment to life and our community was evidenced in his joy when greeting each of us. He will be missed.