November 18, 2021

I literally just found out that my dear friend Herb Young had passed away almost one year ago.  My sincerest condolences to all of Herb’s extended family and friends.  Those of us that were lucky enough to have known Herb know just how special a person he truly was.
 
I first met Herb back in the early 2000’s at a record convention in Lancaster, PA.  I was at one of the record dealers tables and I asked the dealer if he had any LP’s by saxophonist Tubby Hayes.  Herb was standing right next to me to my left and when he heard me say the name Tubby Hayes he turned to me with the look of sheer glee and exuberance and shouted “TUBBY HAYES”!  At that moment we became instant friends 🙂
 
Those of us fortunate enough to have known Herb know just how lucky we were to have him in our lives.  I was very fortunate to have been able to spend many days and nights with him and his late wife Ruth downstairs in his music room listening to LP’s.  I also spent time with both of them having many lunches and dinners with them at their home.  I even recall a time when I helped them make chocolate covered pretzels.  They enjoyed cooking and baking as well.
 
I also enjoyed many many visits with them where we sat at their kitchen table talking about music and just things in general.  Herb was a very smart man and knew quite a bit about a lot of different subjects which he was more than willing to share with anyone willing to lend an ear.  He also was a history buff.
 
There literally are not enough words to say what truly great human beings both Herb and Ruth were.  They don’t make people like that anymore sad to say.  They were from a different generation and unique.
 
I will never forget all of the encouragement that Herb bestowed upon me in terms of helping me promote my Jazz record label.  He reviewed many of the CD’s that I produced and did everything that he could to help me spread the word so I thank him for that and for all of the wonderful times we shared together.
 
You will be dearly missed Herb & Ruth.  I know that you are in a better place and that I will see you both one day again.
 
May God bless Herb & Ruth Young.
 
R.I.P.
 

March 01, 2021

I knew Herb in the last decade or so of his life though I knew of him long before that. He was a good friend of my father, Frank Owens. The two of them shared a common interest in jazz. I was always impressed with the size of my father’s record collection, but Herb’s easily dwarfed it.
By the time we met, I had long lived overseas in Oslo, Norway. During the last years of my father’s life, Herb would come down to visit him in Newark, DE. By then, my father was suffering from dementia, but Herb remained faithful to him to the end, and my father was very fond of those visits. By then, I had come to see Herb as a very considerate and empathetic person, so Herb and I stayed in touch after my father passed away in 2012. I would visit him in Lancaster whenever I was home.
On one of those visits, I had friends visiting me from Norway, so I brought them along, knowing they would enjoy Pennsylvania Dutch country. Herb made their visit especially memorable because he had personal friends among the Pennsylvania Dutch, so he was able to introduce my friends to some of those people.
That was typical of Herb. He was always so friendly and easy going. I will treasure having gotten to know him. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family.
Jonathan Owens

February 27, 2021

Dear Young Family,I’m just heartbroken over the loss a Herb, one of my very favorite people. Herb and I met through our love of Jazz, and as a record dealer, he bought and sold records to me for years. The records were great, but my friendship with Herb was ever greater. A fantastic person who I know will be missed by everyone he touched over the years. He was that kind of guy.
Joe Schwab

December 27, 2020

To Herb’s Family’
We’re saddened about the passing of dear Herb. We met Herb and Ruth about 16 years ago at the Delaware Water Gap Jazz Festival through our daughter, Najwa, who was a performing student jazz musician at the time. We met up with Herb and Ruth, over the years, at the annual event. Herb was such a big supporter of Najwa’s and both he and Ruth became friends of ours. As our daughter continued on her musical journey into adulthood Herb remained encouraging and supportive. Herb was a wonderful and kind human being. He loved his family dearly and spoke fondly of all of you.
We’ll always remember Herb and of course dear Ruth as well. May you all find some peace and comfort in beautiful memories of times you shared with each other, in the love and support of each other and all who loved Herb. Larry, Doreen & Najwa Parkins 

December 07, 2020

Sincere condolences to your family. I met Herb (& Ruth) in early 2002 at the YMCA. It was the highlight of my day to see them both. Herb was always ready to share his love of jazz with me. He made picture frames for my children’s artwork and a shadow box for my medal when I ran my first marathon. Herb had such zest for life and enjoyed a good laugh. I was grateful to reconnect with him in the last several years where I worked. I will cherish my memories with him. God Bless your family. 
Katy Nigon