The sun set on Hosea Willis Young Jr., peacefully on Friday November 8, 2024 at 9:07PM. He was surrounded bedside by his wife and two daughters at Marymount Hospital in Garfield Heights, Ohio.
He is deeply mourned by his beloved wife, Laura Hardenburgh Young; his daughters, Michelle Young Reid and Zerna Gene Young Crosby; his brother, Richard Young; and a host of grandchildren: Donna Gene Townsend Braxton, Lester Alan Young Jr., Lenée Young, William Darryl Reid Jr., Asia Leigh Reid, and Lamar Alexander Crosby. Hosea also leaves behind great-grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, church families, and many devoted friends.
Born on May 17, 1930, in Pittsburgh, PA, Hosea was the oldest of 4 sons to Hosea Young Sr. and Virginia Louise Young. Later he married his first wife Esther Rodgers Young (deceased) and shared 3 beautiful children, one Lester Alan Young Sr. also deceased. He served as a Corporal in the United States Armed Forces from 1949 to 1952 during the Korean War, earning an honorable discharge. Hosea went on to study Business Administration at Duquesne University. His career spanned several fields, including real estate, but he dedicated the majority of his professional life to the Allegheny Housing Rehabilitation Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA. Starting as a Property Manager, he quickly rose to become the company’s Director of Management, retiring at age 65 after many years of service.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hosea was deeply involved in the Prince Hall Fraternal Organization. He was a member and Past Worshipful Master of the Golden Star Lodge No. 143, a Past Illustrious Potentate of Sahara Temple No. 2, and a 33rd-degree Mason, who was the longest serving Grand Inspector General of Cyprian Consistory No. 4. In Pittsburgh, PA.
Hosea had a passion for recreational activities such as bowling, skiing, traveling, golfing, and spending quality time with his family. He was also a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which he found joy in the game, and the thrill in the competition.
Above all, Hosea was a man of deep faith. He was an active member of 2 churches. Mt. Zion Church of Oakwood Village, OH, and Warren Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, PA. His unwavering belief in the goodness of the Lord and His grace shaped everything he did.
Hosea was a kind, sincere, and gentle soul whose life touched the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and faith will be forever remembered and deeply missed after the blessing of 94 years on this earth.